The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launched the Ghana edition of its National Youth Conference on November 20, 2024, at the GIMPA Executive Conference Centre in Accra.

The two-day event, attended by over 130 participants, aimed to amplify youth voices and address critical challenges affecting young people in the region. Key attendees included youth leaders, academics, private sector stakeholders, and representatives from institutions such as NEIP, the University of Ghana, and Mastercard Foundation.

Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, underscored the importance of youth engagement in shaping responsive policies. He urged participants to seize the platform as an opportunity for collaboration and fresh ideas, emphasizing the need for bold solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. “We are building a foundation for problem-solving policies,” he stated.

Speakers, including Professor Daniel Frimpong Ofori from the University of Ghana, stressed the importance of deliberate policy actions and youth readiness to tackle future challenges. A panel discussion featuring entrepreneurs like Ms. Naomi Kokuro of KayaApp and Mr. Jefferson Seneadza of AyaTickets provided practical advice on leveraging opportunities and adopting a growth mindset.

The conference is part of ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to revise its youth policy, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of young people across the sub-region. Participants were encouraged to contribute ideas and take advantage of resources such as Ghana’s 120 innovation hubs to drive entrepreneurship and self-development.