For Ghana to fully realise its development ambitions, according to Rosy Fynn, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana, young people must be given a seat at the decision-making table.
She argues that it is essential for young people to be involved in matters of national development and given the opportunity to contribute their thoughts to the development agenda because 57% of Ghana's population is under the age of 25.
She made the point that young people have demonstrated the dynamism required to promote change and address societal issues, and as such, they must be given the opportunity and the tools to do so.
"Young people must be involved, and spaces must be established for them to demonstrate their agency," Rosy Fynn stated in a speech for the third edition of the "Joy Change Speakers' Series" on JoyNews' Newsfile. They must be invited to the table and given the chance to speak up. We need to provide them the ability to use the seats rather than just provide them with a passive seat.
"Young people have potential and strength as a group, and I think they can really use that power for good with the correct mentoring and other things. Being involved also forces students to take responsibility for the issues they observe in their neighbourhood and motivates them to have a positive social influence.
In order for young people to effectively address the development issues that affect their communities and the nation at large, she also urged for the establishment of support systems.
"I cited a few of these, access to finance, access to the market, and business development services, all of which are necessary for them to grow their businesses and provide employment possibilities for themselves and their peers," she said. This, in my opinion, will allow them to reach their potential and make a significant contribution to the growth of the Ghanaian economy.
Finally, she emphasised the importance of placing gender equality at the forefront of youth empowerment. She asserts that women's empowerment, participation, and engagement are essential to Ghana's growth.
She added, "I also feel more than ever that achieving gender equality and women's empowerment requires a purposeful and enabling legislative environment, eliminating societal stereotypes, access to equal opportunities, and expanding women's participation at the decision-making level.
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