Revised National Youth policy to be introduced 2019 - NYA

The National Youth Authority says it is confident the detailed, well-structured policy document that will enable government engage the youth and other stakeholders in achieving meaningful development will be ready by the first quarter of 2019.

The document which will also serve as a guideline and directory for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of policies, programs and projects of national interest was first published in 2010 and is currently undergoing review and amendment.

Speaking at the National Stakeholders Consultation on Review of 2010 National Youth Policy, the Chief Executive Officer for the National Youth Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Asigri said Ghanaians, especially the youth must appreciate the importance of the new policy document.

According to him, with input from various stakeholders and numerous deliberations with a number of institutions and bodies throughout the ten regions of the country, he is confident the end product when implemented, will bring about the necessary development.

“The existing national policy in its current form is not fit for purpose, there is a need to align the existing policy to government’s developmental agenda as well as other relevant national development protocols and frameworks such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals referred to as SDGs and AGENDA 2030 of the African Union. Again the data in the existing policy is based on the 2000 population census by the Ghana statistical service, there is therefore the need to capture recent data using the 2010 population housing census to reflect current trends.

So far many stakeholder meetings have been held with the relevant bodies and this final meeting will be the ultimate in the series of consultations for the review process. The final coalition will then be presented to the ministry of youth and sports. It is expected that all the reviewed policy and implementation will take effect from the first quarter of next year.”

Pledging their commitment to the implementation of the new national youth policy document, the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Robert Ahomka-Lindsey said his ministry was optimistic the policy will not only liberate the youth but also help in the president’s grand plan of achieving a Ghana beyond aid.

He was hopeful, investing and concentrating on the youth will accelerate the nation’s development and bridge some economic gaps.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Perry Okudzeto urged the Authority to work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure that goals and objectives outlined in the revised policy are met or achieved.

The stakeholder consultation review was held under the theme; “Towards an empowered youth, impacting positively on national development” and was graced by representatives from the United Nations, ministries, institutions, political organisations and some diplomats.