The West Africa Youth Alliance (WAYA) is urging the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to include the youth of West Africa in all levels of decision-making processes.

The group is also appealing to the West Africa bloc to establish an ECOWAS Youth Parliament as a youth wing of the ECOWAS Parliament for the advancement of peaceful and inclusive democracy.

Jointly signed by Mr Mohammed Inusah, Convenor of WAYA, and Mr Samuel Gariba, Head of Leadership and Good Governance at WAYA, the petition highlights that the youth constitute 53% of West Africa's population, making them "the heartbeat of the region" and "drivers of innovation, resilience, and progress".

Despite their significant demographic presence and potential contributions, WAYA asserts that young people "remain largely excluded from platforms where decisions affecting their lives are made." This exclusion, the petition argues, not only "hinders the region's potential" but also "denies youth the opportunity to learn from leaders and develop their own leadership skills."

With over 412.5 million young people in West Africa, their "energy, creativity, and ambition are essential to achieving sustainable development," the petition emphasises. Involving youth in governance would ensure that policies reflect "realities, challenges, and aspirations of all generations while promoting transparency, accountability and fairness in governance." It also asserts that youth inclusion would empower them "to take ownership and responsibility for their communities and future as well as bring diverse experiences, skills and knowledge, enriching decision-making processes."

The petition urges ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to collaborate with both the ECOWAS Parliament and WAYA to establish the proposed ECOWAS Youth Parliament. This body, they believe, would provide a crucial platform for youth from member states to participate in decision-making and voice their concerns at the regional level. WAYA also calls for the provision of training, mentorship, and adequate resources to empower the proposed Parliament to function effectively and prepare young people for future leadership roles.

"The youth of West Africa have the passion, skills and commitment to contribute meaningfully to regional development. Their inclusion should not be seen as an act of goodwill or favour but as a necessary step toward achieving regional integration, stability, prosperity and inclusive democracy,” the petition concludes.