Group warns of rising challenges in peace, security, and crime at child research and youth forum

The Child Research and Resource Centre (CRRECENT) as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations on Thursday, September 5, 2024, held a high-impact advocacy forum centred around the theme, "Ghana's Youth Bulge – An Opportunity and a Challenge for Nation Building."

The forum looked closely at Associated Fallouts of the bulge (Peace and Security, Children and Youth in Crime) from Delayed Reaping of Youth Bulge Benefits”.

The event held at the University of Ghana under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, Dr Joseph Whittal, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) attracted prominent speakers and experts including; Prof. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Director/Dean, Academic Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College; and Dr. Mrs. Lilian Ayete-Nyampong, Director of Research at CHRAJ.

They discussed extensively and passionately on both the opportunities and risks associated with Ghana’s growing youth population.

The Chairman, in his remarks stressed on justice for children and youth, delinquency and crime, juvenile justice, and restoration as areas that need attention as the country manages the youth bulge.

Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Director of Academic Affairs at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, who was a key speaker at the event noted that while the youth bulge presents immense opportunities, it could also pose significant challenges if not managed properly.

“With a large youthful population, there are numerous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. However, if youth unemployment continues to rise, it could lead to social unrest and exploitation,” he cautioned.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Professor Antwi-Danso highlighted the dangers of youth idleness, stating, “Sometimes the politicians exploit the youth because a majority of the youth are not engaged in meaningful employment. You see the politicians gathering them and using them as watchdogs for their political parties, or what we normally call vigilantes. This is precisely because they are idle... The devil finds work for idle hands. If we begin to use them for criminality, a time will come when they will hold the country to ransom.”

Another speaker, Dr. Lilian Ayete-Nyampong, Director of Research at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), focused on "Vulnerable Children and Youth in Conflict with the Law."

She revealed startling statistics showing that a significant portion of Ghana’s prison population falls within the youthful age range of 12-21 years. Additionally, she lamented the lack of legal aid for juveniles in Ghana and the dire conditions in which many young prisoners live, highlighting the need for dedicated prison cells for juveniles and improved legal representation.

The Executive Director of Child Research and Resource Centre, Susan Sabaa, underscored CRRECENT’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana's youth bulge is properly managed to prevent dire consequences.

“We have had the opportunity to work with children who have fallen through the cracks... We are sounding the alarm that there is danger if we do not equip them and provide them with the opportunities they need,” Sabaa said.

The forum served as a powerful call to action for policymakers, emphasizing that with the right programs and training, Ghana’s youthful population could be transformed into a national asset rather than a source of concern.

CRRECENT emphasised that it remains committed to advocating for the well-being and empowerment of Ghana's youth as part of its mission to promote positive societal change.

The Executive Director, Ghana Legal Aid, Mr Edmund Foley was the moderator for the event.