The Ghana Youth Federation (GYF) has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama following his inclusion in the Devex Power 50 list, while urging the government and stakeholders to convert the international recognition into concrete gains for Ghana’s unemployed youth.

Mahama was ranked fifth on the 2026 Devex Power 50 by the global development publication Devex, a distinction the youth group says highlights Ghana’s continued relevance in global development conversations. But the Federation warned that the real test lies at home.

“For Ghana’s youth, this moment carries significance beyond international prestige,” the GYF said in a press release issued by its Directorate of Communications on February 5.

The Federation pointed to persistent labour market challenges facing young people, citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service showing youth unemployment remains well above the national average.

According to the group:

• Unemployment among persons aged 15–24 exceeds 30 cent.
• More than one in five young people are not in employment, education, or training (NEET)
• Structural gaps persist in skills development and job creation

“These trends highlight persistent structural challenges within labour markets, education systems, and skills pipelines,” the statement noted.

“Global influence must translate into domestic impact."

While acknowledging progress toward macroeconomic stability, the GYF stressed that many young Ghanaians are yet to feel the benefits through decent work opportunities and viable entrepreneurial pathways.

The Federation warned that without deliberate, well-financed youth-focused interventions, Ghana risks underutilising what it described as its “most important long-term asset” — its youthful population.

Key demands from the youth body

Leveraging Mahama’s international visibility, the GYF called on government, development partners, the private sector and civil society to take coordinated action to:

• Scale targeted youth employment programmes linked to real labour-market demand
• Address regional disparities and skills mismatches limiting youth mobility
• Boost support for youth entrepreneurship, including access to finance and markets
• Guarantee predictable funding for youth-centred agencies
• Strengthen labour-market data and accountability systems

The Federation emphasised that Mahama’s Devex recognition should serve as a catalyst rather than a ceremonial milestone.

“This international recognition should not be an end in itself,” the statement said. “It should serve as a catalyst for measurable progress that uplifts Ghana’s youth.”

The GYF pledged its readiness to work with the government and partners to translate the moment of global visibility into lasting employment and opportunity gains for young Ghanaians.