Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Commandant, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) – Major General (Maj Gen) Richard Addo Gyane, has urged young people to move beyond participation on Election Day, and commit to ongoing civic involvement, policy advocacy, and leadership in various sectors of society.
The Commandant made the call at the 2025 Ghana Youth Congress, themed “Ghana – My Home, My Future: Beyond the Ballot Box,” which was held from 6 to 9 February, 2025, as the Guest of Honour, and called for sustained civic engagement among Ghanaian youth, and emphasized the vital role of youth in promoting peace, governance, and national progress.
“The future of Ghana does not rest solely on elections but on the daily contributions of its young people in governance, community service, and economic development. Your role extends far beyond the ballot box,” Maj Gen Gyane stated.
He highlighted five key objectives of the congress: fostering post-election civic engagement; building leadership for nation-building; promoting sustainable development; encouraging inclusivity and unity; and inspiring constructive activism; and said the objectives aim to equip young people with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress.
He affirmed KAIPTC’s continuous collaboration with regional and international organizations to support youth-led peace initiatives and mentorship programs for emerging leaders, and reiterated the Centre’s dedication to empowering the next generation, ensuring that democracy in Ghana thrives beyond electoral cycles.
The event brought together young leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to explore how young people can actively contribute to national development beyond elections.
The Ghana Youth Congress was established to maximize youth participation in national activities and aligns with global frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security and UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for inclusive and participatory decision-making at all levels.
Reverend Father (Rev Fr) Jehoshaphat Calys-Tagoe – Chair of the Youth Steering Committee of the Christian Council of Ghana, reiterated the importance of preparing young people for leadership, and acknowledged efforts made by successive Ghanaian governments to include youth in governance, but emphasized the need for more intentional investments.
“We must not only advocate for youth inclusion but also equip them with the necessary skills to lead effectively. This Congress is both a call to policymakers and a capacity-building platform for the next generation of leaders,” he said.
He explained that the timing of the congress was strategic, as it followed Ghana’s general elections, offering young people a critical window to engage in policy discussions, while the new Administration was still shaping its governance agenda.
“This is more than an event—it is an investment in Ghana’s future. We must see tangible outcomes from the ideas shared here”, Rev Fr Calys-Tagoe noted.
Dr. Anthony Baidoo – a lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), emphasized the importance of ethical leadership and civic responsibility, urging young people to actively participate in national development with integrity and purpose, reflecting on Ghana’s political history.
“Leadership is not confined to political office; it is about making a difference in your community, workplace, and nation. We need a generation of leaders driven by faith, morality, and action,” he remarked.
Samuel Koku Anyidoho – Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Atta Mills Institute (AMI), stressed the need for ethical leadership and national service among young Ghanaians. He introduced the MILLS Leadership Framework, which stands for Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership, and Service, as a guide for youth development.
“True leadership is about service to God, country, and humanity. Ghana needs young leaders who prioritize national progress over personal gain”, he emphasized, and called for a shift from self-centered leadership, to a model based on accountability and nation-building, urging youth to uphold Ghana’s values and contribute meaningfully to its progress.
The 2025 Ghana Youth Congress serving as a powerful reminder that youth involvement in governance and civic engagement must be continuous, had Organizers calling on churches, youth organizations, and development partners, to support and invest in youth development efforts.
At the congress, participants engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to equip them with practical skills for impactful civic participation, with the message: Ghana’s future is in the hands of its youth, and their active involvement being crucial for building a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
Credit: KAIPTC CORPORATE AFFAIRS
