Koforidua, Ghana – Job creation and youth empowerment took centre stage at a Town Hall meeting organized by the Star-Ghana Foundation in collaboration with the New Juaben South Assembly.
Civil society groups, youth organizations, and market associations participated, urging the Government to implement measures aimed at empowering the youth through job creation.
Participants emphasized the crucial role of youth empowerment in the nation-building process.
Madam Yaa Ataa, a trader, expressed concern about the alarming youth unemployment rate, stating, “In this economic crisis, if your children are not getting a job after school, it is a recipe for disaster.”
The Town Hall meeting, titled “Accountability Platform Meeting,” brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss and address issues related to youth inclusion, governance influence, and access to quality public goods and services in Koforidua.
The Star-Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the New Juaben South Assembly and with funding from the BOTNAR foundation, is implementing the three-year ‘Action For Youth Development (AFYD)' project under the ‘Our City Project.'
This initiative collaborates with four civil society organizations, youth groups, and the National Youth Authority.
Dr. Ernestina Tetteh, the project manager of Star-Ghana Foundation, highlighted the project's objective: “to empower the youth through civic engagements, youth participation in policy formulation, as well as encourage accountable assembly.”
Mr. Isaac Apau-Gyasi, the New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive, acknowledged the Government's efforts in youth empowerment through initiatives such as Free SHS, TVET, and STEM programs.
He encouraged the youth and parents to leverage these policies for improved youth development and employment prospects.
The Town Hall meeting served as a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, aiming to address the pressing issues of job creation and youth empowerment in the region.