The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has called on the youth of Ghana to be involved in decisions that revolve around Climate Change.
The Minister, delivering an address at the ABSA Ready to Work Mastercard Foundation Youth Forum organized at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) on the 28th of November, 2023 in Accra, said that Climate Change causes environmental degradation and the entire depletion of our natural wealth.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on young people of the country to get involved in issues concerning climate change. The call to action extends to the youth who form over 11.7 million of our total population and serve as both custodians and recipients of the actions ensuing from Environmental degradation and depletion of our natural wealth.
“The youth have the power to redefine what is possible and build a future that is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for us all,” he said.
Therefore, he is urging policymakers to fully involve the youth in policy and decision-making.
Mr Mustapha further challenged each individual participating in the ABSA Ready to Work Youth Forum to embrace the opportunities present. He asked participants to leverage on the knowledge shared and forge ahead with the determination to become the visionaries ready to shape the destiny of Ghana.
“Let us build a future where the vibrancy of our youth becomes the driving force behind a thriving and prosperous nation,” he said.
He further called on the youth of Ghana to embrace the opportunities that emerge as Ghana hosts the 13th African Games in Accra in 2024.
“The 13th African Games is not just a showcase of athletic prowess, but a golden opportunity for Ghana to showcase diverse expertise, trades, and incredible talents”, he added.
Therefore, he is challenging the youth to bring on board their skills, passion and determination as Ghana decides to host the 13th African Games.
The minister also mentioned programmes like You-Start, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), Planting for Food and Jobs, Youth in Agriculture, National Youth Volunteers Program, Skills Towards Employability and Productivity (STEP) among others, as youth-centered policies implemented in the country that resonates with the theme of ABSA’s forum “Empowering and Igniting Young Visionaries”.
He said this initiative aligns with the government’s shared commitment to empower youth development in Ghana therefore, the youth of Ghana should jump on such opportunities and harness the youth-centered policies implemented in the country to directly address their challenges.
By Clara Boadi Konadu