YES-Ghana launches Youth Manifesto 2012 in Accra

The Youth Empowerment Synergy (YES), Ghana, youth-oriented organisation, has launched the “Youth Manifesto 2012”, which seeks the incorporation of issues concerning young people into the national development agenda.

The document is a compilation of youth policy options and proposals on issues and perspectives of political parties contesting Election 2012, which could form the basis for national youth policy.

Mr. Lawrence Lachmansingh, Peace and Governance Adviser, United Nations Development Programme, who launched the manifesto in Accra on Tuesday, commended the organisation for coming out with the document.

The launch forms part of a three-day Voice of Youth Conference on the theme: “Youth participation-towards inclusive public policy decision-making in Ghana”.

Mr. Lachmansingh appealed to the youth to take advantage of the launch and engage political leaders and hold them accountable, to ensure that they address the concerns of the youth.

Mr. Emmanuel Edudzi, Executive Director of YES-Ghana, told the Ghana News Agency that the manifesto was the outcome of interconnected efforts of various stakeholders engaged in youth development in the country.

He said the manifesto is a document instituted by the youth, calling for a more concerted and coordinated effort towards addressing critical issues affecting the country’s young people.

Mr. Edudzi noted that the manifesto comprised of thematic areas, including a call to action, which involved the economy, the well being of the youth and the society, and the collaborative effort of the private sector, media, and local governance.

He said there was the need to build the capabilities of the youth and expand their scope of choice, by enhancing their access and participation in all dimensions of society.

Mr. Edudzi said the manifesto would become an advocacy tool for the youth to dialogue with political leaders, particularly those in power.

The Voice of Youth is a project of YES-Ghana, which has received funding from the United Nations Democracy Fund, and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.