By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog 

Paga (U/E), May 25- A Youth Parliament in Kassena Nankana West District has been revived after years of dormancy, with renewed calls from young leaders for increased youth participation in governance and decision-making processes at all levels. 

The sitting, held on the theme: “The Youth Taking Up Leadership Roles When It Comes to Governance.” was made possible by the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project, in collaboration with the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the Kassena Nankana West District Assembly. 

The youth parliament, which is non-partisan, aims to provide a platform for the youth of the district, drawn from various communities to articulate their views, express their concerns, aspirations and innovative ideas that could shape the district and the country’s development at large. 

Mr Hillary Aniakwo, Speaker of the Youth Parliament, in his welcome address, described the sitting as a significant milestone in youth-led governance in the district. 

He noted that the theme was not only timely but a call to action for young people to recognize need in shaping their communities and the nation. 

He encouraged members to use the platform to engage in constructive dialogue, share practical ideas, and position themselves as key stakeholders in local development. 

Mr Wenawome Aborah,  Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement and Chief Whip for the Minority Caucus in the youth Parliament, expressed appreciation for the reactivation of the House. 

He described the occasion as a long-awaited opportunity for the youth to deliberate on issues that affect them directly. 

“Even though the Youth Parliament was inaugurated some years back, we have not had the opportunity to hold sittings as required. We are grateful to SOCO and the District Assembly for making this happen,” he said. 

Mr. Aborah called on the District Assembly and state agencies to allocate funds to support  operations of youth parliaments across the country.  

He also raised concerns over rising drug abuse among the youth, describing it as a major threat to youth empowerment and leadership. 

“There is a growing canker of drug addiction among the youth, which is destroying the very generation we are fighting to empower. Youth parliaments must be supported to engage their peers through forums and outreach programmes to tackle this issue,” he stressed. 

Mr Desmond Ayambire Abire, Majority Leader of the Youth Parliament, in his address, echoed the importance of giving the youth a seat at the table and described the theme of the sitting as timely and urged young people to rise beyond being spectators. 

“The youth must no longer be seen as leaders of tomorrow. That tomorrow is today. We must step up as decision-makers and active participants in development,” he said. 

He proposed the establishment of a District Youth Leadership Development Fund, mentorship programmes, and the inclusion of youth in decision-making bodies at the local level while emphasizing the use of digital platforms to amplify youth voices in governance. 

GNA 

Edited by Fatima Anafu-Astanga/Christian Akorlie