The Child Research and Resource Centre (CRRECENT) marked its 20th anniversary with a high-impact advocacy forum on Thursday, September 5, under the theme: "Ghana's Youth Bulge – An Opportunity and a Challenge for Nation Building."

The event, held at the University of Ghana, brought together leading experts to explore both the opportunities and challenges associated with Ghana’s growing youth population, especially concerning peace, security, and crime.

Chaired by Dr Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the forum featured prominent speakers such as Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Director of Academic Affairs at the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College, and Dr Lilian Ayete-Nyampong, Director of Research at CHRAJ.

These experts delivered passionate addresses on the dual-edged nature of the youth bulge, balancing its potential benefits with its associated risks.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Whittal stressed the urgent need to address issues related to justice for children, youth delinquency, juvenile crime, and restorative justice to effectively manage the youth bulge.

Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso highlighted both the opportunities and risks posed by Ghana's growing youth population.

"A large youthful population presents numerous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development," he noted.

"However, if youth unemployment continues to rise, it could lead to social unrest and exploitation."

Speaking with journalists, he warned, "Politicians often exploit idle youth, using them as vigilantes or 'watchdogs' for their political parties.

"This is because idle hands are easily led astray. If we begin to use them for criminality, a time will come when they will hold the country to ransom."

Dr Lilian Ayete-Nyampong focused on the vulnerabilities of children and youth who conflict with the law.

She revealed startling statistics, indicating that a significant portion of Ghana’s prison population is between the ages of 12-21.

Dr Ayete-Nyampong also highlighted the lack of legal aid for juveniles and the inadequate living conditions in juvenile detention centres, calling for dedicated facilities and improved legal representation for young offenders.

Susan Sabaa, Executive Director of CRRECENT, underscored the organization’s commitment to preventing the negative fallout from Ghana's youth bulge.

“We have worked with children who have fallen through the cracks and ended up in correctional centres. It is an uphill task to restore them to stable lives,” Sabaa stated.

“The best approach is to prevent juvenile delinquency and crime by identifying risk factors early and implementing strategies to mitigate them. We are sounding the alarm: there is a real danger if we do not equip young people with the opportunities they need.”

The forum was a powerful call to action for policymakers, emphasizing that with the right programs and support, Ghana’s youthful population could be transformed into a national asset rather than a liability.

CRRECENT reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the well-being and empowerment of Ghana's youth, as part of its mission to promote positive societal change.

The forum was moderated by Edmund Foley, Executive Director of Ghana Legal Aid.