Ghanaian leaders and forums address youth engagement and economic policy

In Ghana, political and civic leaders are focusing on the role of youth in governance and the implementation of economic reforms. At the Ghana Youth–Policy Dialogue Forum in Accra, organizers from the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Reform Initiatives, and the UNDP called for Generation Z to transition from digital mobilization to direct influence over policymaking. Dr. Edward Amptratwum of the UNDP noted that while many young people prefer democracy, there is significant dissatisfaction with how current democratic institutions function.

Separately, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, emphasized that Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy must move beyond its foundational stages to deliver sustainable jobs. Speaking on the sidelines of IMF and World Bank meetings, Ricketts-Hagan stated that the long-term success of the initiative, which aims to increase productivity through extended business hours, depends on reliable electricity, business incentives, and detailed planning to support the growing youth population.