Youth must have a real voice in national issues beyond jobs, creative arts – EU

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana has emphasized the importance of youth involvement in national development beyond traditional discussions on employment and the creative arts. Gisela Spreitzhofer, Team Leader for Governance and Security at the EU Delegation, stressed the need for genuine youth participation in governance and development programs at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration in Accra.

The event, organized with advocacy group Act for Change, gathered traditional leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and youths from Jamestown, Ussher Town, and surrounding areas.

Spreitzhofer cautioned against tokenistic youth participation, which she believes lacks the necessary investment of time and resources. She argued that young people's perspectives should encompass broader national issues such as security, migration, sustainable agriculture, illegal mining, and the transition to clean energy. The EU-Ghana Youth Strategy for 2021 to 2027, with its three pillars—Engage, Empower, and Connect—aims to provide youth-led organizations with opportunities and resources to tackle community challenges.

As an illustration of the EU's commitment to youth participation, Spreitzhofer highlighted the Team Europe Youth Sounding Board, which brings together 20 young Ghanaian leaders to offer input on EU-funded initiatives in areas like trade, gender equality, and security. The celebration marked 50 years of the EU's presence in Ghana, showcasing the potential of youth-led initiatives to positively influence national development.

The vibrant atmosphere at the gathering, Spreitzhofer noted, underlined the significance of the work being done.