Young people across the country have been encouraged to join forces in the fight against unemployment, illegal mining, and corruption—three issues described as major threats to Ghana’s present and future stability.

Speaking at the National Youth Summit 2025 in Koforidua, Head of Programmes at STAR-Ghana Foundation, Eunice Agbenyadzi, urged the youth to remain non-partisan, united, and focused on the nation’s progress. She emphasised that young people must take an active interest in tackling challenges that pose “an existential threat to the current and future generations.”

The summit brought together more than 500 young leaders, policymakers, youth advocacy groups, civil society organisations, private sector representatives, and government officials. The two-day national dialogue was held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Youth for Transformative Development.”

The event was organised under the auspices of the Action for Youth Development (AfYD) project by STAR-Ghana Foundation, in partnership with Youth Advocates Ghana, Kofkro Partners, the New Juaben South Assembly, and the National Youth Authority, with support from the Botnar Foundation.

The gathering provided a platform for young people to engage decision-makers, share experiences, and co-create sustainable solutions to developmental challenges affecting both local communities and the nation at large.

Delivering the keynote address, Jacob Adongo Atule, Deputy CEO in charge of Finance and Administration at the National Youth Authority, urged the youth to take ownership of national development initiatives.

The New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive, Ransford Owusu Boakye, praised the Kofkro project for increasing youth participation in decision-making within the municipality, noting that it has helped address critical challenges facing young people.

In a speech delivered on her behalf, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey commended the organisers for empowering young people and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to entrepreneurship and civic participation.