The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has highlighted government’s ongoing efforts to empower young Ghanaians and strengthen their leadership potential, including intensified action to address social challenges such as substance abuse.
He was speaking during a courtesy call by the country’s biggest youth broadcast station, YFM, where both the Ministry and the media group discussed ways to collaborate on youth-focused programmes nationwide.
The Minister outlined the Ministry’s work, structured around five thematic areas, and explained how they build on one another. He said that health and well-being is the foundation: young people must be healthy before they can fully engage in society. To understand the state of youth, the Ministry conducted research and, in 2025, presented the State of the Youth Address, providing a data-driven overview of Ghana’s youth.
Next, he emphasized the importance of education and skills development, equipping young people with the knowledge and abilities to succeed. Following that, the focus is on youth empowerment, giving young people the confidence, resources, and support to take charge of their futures.
The fourth area is leadership development; not limited to politics, but leadership in the workplace, business, and community. Tools like the Youth Explorer App provide platforms for mentorship, access to skills, and career guidance to help young people transition into leadership roles.
Finally, the Ministry emphasizes patriotism and community engagement, guiding young people to contribute positively to their communities. Plans for a national volunteer framework aim to formalize and regulate volunteer activities, ensuring structured opportunities for youth to serve and give back.
On youth substance abuse, he noted that early exposure is common among young people aged 14 to 15, and highlighted that the Ministry is stepping up efforts through its Ghana Against Drugs ; “Red Means Stop” campaign. The initiative educates young people and communities about the dangers of substance abuse and includes community outreach, school engagements, and media campaigns, helping youth make informed, drug-free choices.
The Minister also highlighted government programmes that provide young people with practical skills and opportunities. These include the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura initiative, which offer training in employable skills and support for start-ups.
Led by Dr. Timothy Karikari, the YFM team congratulated the Minister and his team and assured him of their support to the ministry’s initiatives. Other members present included YFM Accra Manager, Erskine Amo Whyte (Rev. Erskine); Head of Client Service and Partnerships, Mrs. Mary Opoku-Gyan; Head of Digital, Mr. George Nkunu; Media Executives, Philip Nii Darku Ankrah and Judeliver Eli Ahashie; and Head of Digital Production, Mr. George Shackleford.
