On Monday, 14th September 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, delivered a compelling presentation at the ongoing World Youth Festival in Ekaterinburg, Russia, one of the largest global gatherings dedicated to youth dialogue, cooperation, and development.
Representing Ghana on the international stage, Hon. Opare Addo highlighted the pressing challenges confronting Ghanaian youth, placing particular emphasis on youth migration, unemployment pressures, and the evolving socio‑economic demands facing young people in a rapidly changing global landscape. He noted that while Ghana’s youth remain vibrant, innovative, and ambitious, structural barriers continue to limit their full participation in national development.
The Minister underscored that youth migration often driven by limited economic opportunities, skills gaps, and global inequalities has become a critical concern requiring coordinated international action. He stressed that addressing these issues demands not only national commitment but also cross‑border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared responsibility among nations.
In concluding his address, Hon. Opare Addo outlined practical solutions and forward‑looking strategies aimed at strengthening youth empowerment in Ghana. These included expanding skills development programmes, enhancing job creation initiatives, improving access to technology, and deepening global partnerships that open new pathways for Ghanaian youth.
He called for stronger cooperation with other participating countries, emphasizing that collective action is essential to building resilient youth systems capable of meeting contemporary challenges. The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to work with international partners to design programmes that promote mobility, innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
Hon. Opare Addo’s participation at the Festival reinforces Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that its youth have a meaningful voice in global conversations and access to opportunities that shape a prosperous future.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
