The Youth Empowerment Consortium (YEC) has inaugurated members of the 2025 Youth Model Parliament under the theme “Youth Mobilization for National Development” at a ceremony held in Accra. The event brought together young leaders, civil society actors, and public figures who emphasized the urgent need to empower Ghanaian youth to take up leadership roles in governance and national development.

In his address, Founder and Acting General Secretary of YEC, Mr. Edward Mafu, highlighted the importance of equipping young people with leadership and policy development skills.

“The organization promotes youth participation in governance and the socio-economic development drive,” Mafu said.

“This is a learning platform for young people interested in governance and political leadership. Part of our training also focuses on NGO development and net financing. Many of our participants are already running community-based NGOs that are making a real difference,” he explained.

The event also saw the participation of Dr. Dan Lattey Jr., Chairman and Flagbearer of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), who delivered a passionate call for greater youth inclusion in national leadership.

“The youth must take over now. Leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela were young when they made significant contributions. We cannot allow the older generation to dominate leadership while the youth — the engine of society — are left behind,” Dr. Lattey said.

He encouraged young people to lead with integrity and purpose.

“Don’t wait for opportunities to be handed to you. Be inclusive, but not rebellious. Find your niche and make a meaningful contribution to society. The youth matter — and we, the older generation, must find ways to include them meaningfully.”

Adding a values-based perspective, Dr. Lawrence Ofosu Adjare, Deputy Director of the Catholic Health Service Trust, emphasized the moral responsibility of those in public office.

“Aspiring leaders must be guided by strong values that serve mankind,” Dr. Adjare noted. “When elected to office, our mandate is to serve, build, and leave a legacy — not to accumulate wealth.”

He further called for accountability and the strict enforcement of laws to deter corruption in public office.

“We already have laws and systems. What we need now is seriousness in applying them. Public office is about mobilizing the limited resources we have to improve lives. Where wrongdoing occurs, the law must be enforced fully to set an example.”

The inauguration of the Youth Model Parliament marks another milestone in youth-focused civic education and leadership development. The YEC says it will continue to support young Ghanaians in building the skills necessary for ethical and impactful leadership.