Story By: Ishmael Barfi
Prof. Justice Nyigma Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Graduate usiness School has emphasized the importance of youth accountability in Ghana’s political landscape.
Speaking at the press launch of the Policy Brief on 2024 Youth Sensitivity Analysis of Political Parties’ Manifestos, Prof. Bawole noted that the National Youth Policy and political parties’ manifestos align with youth aspirations, but implementation remains a significant challenge.
According to Prof. Bawole, the National Youth Policy clearly outlines the aspirations of young people in Ghana.
He further stated that the manifestos of political parties, including the ruling party, are aligned with these aspirations.
However, Prof. Bawole cautioned that there is still much work to be done to ensure that these promises are implemented.
Prof. Bawole therefore stressed that young people must take an active role in holding governments accountable.
And emphasized the importance of tracking promises made by political parties and ensuring that they are reflected in state entities and budgets.
Prof. Bawole also highlighted the role of social media in empowering young people to hold governments accountable.
“Young people today have the power to track and torment political parties through social media,” Prof. Bawole said.
Adding “They can hold governments accountable and chase government actors and politicians to account for their actions.”
The event,was organized by the Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF) and sponsored by Star-Ghana, and held in Accra, on 19th February, 2025.
The initiative aims to promote youth engagement and accountability in Ghana’s political process.
In a related development, Mawuena Azumah, YBF Youth Advisory Board Member announced plans to track the allocation of resources to specific areas that young people want the government to prioritize.
These areas include education and agriculture.
She reiterated that,”We will be holding the government accountable to the promises they made in the lead-up to the 2024 elections,” Mawuena said.
Adding “We want to ensure that the government prioritizes the needs of young people and allocates resources accordingly.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote youth-led accountability in Ghana’s politics.
By empowering young people to hold governments accountable, the Youth Bridge Foundation and its partners aim to ensure that the needs and aspirations of young people are prioritized in Ghana’s development agenda.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
