Youth Ministry to publish programme data online to boost transparency

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment plans to publish data on government programs targeting young people. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in managing resources designated for the sector. The directive came after the Ghana Youth Federation President Sherif Ghali called for better disclosure of beneficiaries of initiatives such as the Adwumawura Initiative and the National Apprenticeship Programme.

Ghali made this request during the National Youth Forum on August 19, emphasizing that sharing beneficiary information would allow young individuals and the public to evaluate if government interventions were reaching the intended recipients. In response, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, instructed the CEOs of agencies under his ministry to make relevant program data accessible online.

Opare Addo stated, "I have tasked all my CEOs that they should make their data available on the Ministry website so that young people can verify and ascertain where every single penny of your money is going into." This initiative seeks to bolster accountability and enable young people to monitor the execution of government programs, while also offering a foundation for evidence-based youth development.

Opare Addo acknowledged that substantial challenges persist in addressing the needs of Ghana's youth. He clarified that significant strides have been made in areas such as skills development, entrepreneurship, employment, and digital training. However, efforts are ongoing to improve coordination among agencies responsible for youth development.

Opare Addo assured the participants that the feedback and proposals gathered at the forum would inform the formulation of policies and programs aimed at supporting young people.