The Voices of Youth Coalition has called on all political parties and candidates to focus their campaign strategies on outlining measurable policies and programmes to ensure young people become productive members of society and drivers of socio-economic development.

In a statement to mark International Youth Day 2020, the Coalition stated reasons why it was necessary for the youth to be included in policymaking.

They said, “Firstly, the demographics of young people provide a compelling justification for focusing on ways to improve their economic and social wellbeing.”

According to them, young people aged 15 to 35 years account for 35 per cent of Ghana’s population thus; a failure to attend to their education, health, employment and other needs will entrench the vicious cycle of poverty.

“Secondly, young people are central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the statement said.

The Voices of Youth Coalition said in order for the country to progress towards achieving the SDGs in Ghana, government would have to help young people bridge the gap between their present realities and the SDGs targets.

They also said that, “focusing on youth will be in fulfilment of the Constitution of Ghana, the African Youth Charter, the United Nations World Programme of Action for Youth, and several other national, regional and international commitments.

“And there are many more reasons – including the human rights of young people to participation in policy formulation, decision-making, leadership, freedom of expression, and protection from all forms of abuse and violence.”

Furthermore, the Coalition made demands for a Youth law, a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs, a new National Youth Policy, and the creation of an independent umbrella body of youth-led organizations.

They said, “Ghana needs a youth law that encompasses the National Youth Authority and sets the legislative framework for youth development in the country, including the institutional and technical frameworks for the promotion of youth rights, responsibilities, and structures.

They added that, “It is time for Ghana to consider creating a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs and sufficiently resource it to oversee the many components of the national youth development agenda, including arrangements for effective consultations with young people.

Also, “As a matter of urgency, Ghana needs a new National Youth Policy that is properly researched and evidence-based, democratic and participatory, cross-sectional and transversal, coherent and coordinated, fairly budgeted and financed, monitored and evaluated, open and freely accessible.

Moreover, the Coalition said “The creation of an independent national umbrella body of youth-led organisations, groups and associations is long overdue! This will serve as the fulcrum for youth voices and youth input into national decision-making processes.”