Vice President urges Catholic youth to promote peace and prosperity across West Africa

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang called upon Catholic youth throughout West Africa to actively contribute to fostering peace and prosperity on the continent. She emphasized that West Africa's youthful population holds immense potential in shaping the future of the region. Speaking at a gathering of Catholic youth in Accra, Ghana, Professor Opoku Agyemang stated that young people embody immense energy, creativity, and potential for the region.

However, she also acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by the youth, such as insecurity, violent extremism, economic hardship, irregular migration, misinformation, and the impacts of climate change. These issues extend beyond borders, affecting governments and communities alike, and no single nation can tackle them independently.

According to the Vice President, peace is fortified when citizens trust institutions, resolve disputes without resorting to violence, and have access to reliable opportunities for a better future. She stressed the importance of education, which should provide avenues for opportunity, and practical skill acquisition, which should be accessible to those seeking to learn a trade.

Hard work, she said, should lead to a credible path towards a better life. The Vice President highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including the National Apprenticeship Programme, the One Million Coders Programme, entrepreneurship training, business development support, and access to funding.

She emphasized these measures as investments in young people and the stability and prosperity of Ghana. Nevertheless, she stressed that government efforts alone could not resolve all the challenges confronting young people. Sustained efforts were needed to enhance education, broaden opportunities, support enterprise, and cultivate an economy capable of providing decent and productive work.

She further emphasized the role of the Catholic Church in complementing government and other institutions. The Church has long played a vital role in social interventions and community formation, advocating for human dignity, justice, and peace. Professor Opoku Agyemang urged the youth to leverage the gathering to forge friendships across national boundaries.

She emphasized that stronger relationships among West Africans are crucial for deeper regional integration. While acknowledging that regional integration depends on agreements, institutions, and political leadership, she stressed the importance of West Africans knowing one another. The Vice President cautioned young people about the influence of digital platforms, noting that information, anger, prejudice, and falsehood can spread rapidly.

She highlighted that technology can both connect communities and spread knowledge, but it is crucial to use these tools responsibly to contribute to building peaceful societies. Professor Opoku Agyemang encouraged young people to recognize the impact of their daily choices, such as the friendships they form, their dedication to learning, the businesses they establish, the professions they pursue, and the information they disseminate.

She urged them to address disagreements responsibly and remain open to collaborating with people beyond their immediate circles. She emphasized that all stakeholders, including government, the Church, civil society, families, and communities, have responsibilities in building a peaceful West Africa. However, she underscored that young people possess a unique voice and contribution to make.

She expressed the hope that participants would return home with new friendships, a deeper understanding of other cultures, and a stronger sense that the future of West Africa is a shared responsibility.