Minister for Youth Development urges Russia to expand Ghana partnership to rural communities
Minister for Youth Development, George Opare Addo, has called on the Russian government to extend its relationship with Ghana beyond the executive level and into the country’s rural communities, arguing that the current arrangement prevents Ghana from fully benefiting from Russia’s international initiatives.
The Minister for Youth Development, George Opare Addo, has urged Russia to broaden its partnership with Ghana, stretching beyond the executive level to rural communities. Speaking at the 2026 International Youth Festival in Ekaterinburg, Russia, he noted that the current relationship does not allow Ghana to fully benefit from Russia's international initiatives.
"The Russian government's engagement with Ghana has not been able to go down to those beneath us," Mr. Opare Addo stated. "We expect a lot more to be done so that people down there can get more."
He urged Moscow to extend its support to African countries, particularly in developing infrastructure, ensuring that Russia's initiatives reach ordinary Ghanaians rather than being concentrated among the political elite. Mr. Opare Addo praised Russia's longstanding relationship with Ghana, highlighting that President John Dramani Mahama enjoys good relations with Moscow. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Ghana remains open to further cooperation with Russia.
The International Youth Festival, running from September 11 to 17, 2026, gathers thousands of young leaders from around the world to discuss and share ideas under the motto "Follow Your Dream." Organized as part of the Youth and Children national project, the festival features participants from 191 countries, including 5,000 Russians and 5,000 international citizens. Notably, 1,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17 will attend, with half from Russia and the other half from abroad.
The festival, which continues a practice established at the World Youth Festival 2024, aims to strengthen international youth cooperation and build a community of young people committed to the future of the world. The first edition of the festival took place in Sirius from March 1 to 7, 2024, bringing together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries. This annual event is held in various locations across Russia, following presidential instructions to preserve and build upon its legacy.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Steven Odarteifio declares bid for NDC Youth Organiser position; Targets 1 million young people gbcghanaonline.com
- NDC Youth Organiser aspirant Odarteifio pledges to tackle Northern Ghana’s irrigation crisis myjoyonline.com
- Henry Brew Gardner declares intent to contest Agona West Youth Organizer position ghanaiantimes.com.gh
