Youth Groups Call for Stronger Accountability on Government Commitments at Accra Forum
Human Rights Reporters
2 min read
Civil society actors have called on government to intensify efforts in fulfilling its youth-focused commitments on education, skills development, and employment, noting that while some progress has been made, significant gaps remain.
The call was made at a Youth Accountability Forum organized by the Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition in collaboration with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) and partners, with support from OXFAM Ghana and ActionAid Ghana. The forum was held under the theme “Tracking Commitments and Shaping Tomorrow.”
Speaking at the event, Solomon Okai, Programs Manager at FOSDA, stressed the need for continuous and critical monitoring of government promises to young people.
He observed that despite campaign commitments outlining over 100 youth-focused initiatives, only a small fraction has so far been implemented.
“It is not enough to organize an accountability forum or bring young people together,” Mr. Okai said. “We must consistently hold government accountable based on its own promises and critically analyze how inclusive and impactful these interventions are.”
He added that the coalition plans to institutionalize the forum as an annual platform and produce analytical reports to assess progress on youth-related manifesto commitments.
Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), acknowledged initial government efforts but emphasized that more comprehensive action is required.
“Based on the presentations, it is clear that government has started taking steps,” Dr. Wemakor said. “However, there is still a long road ahead. Youth empowerment cannot be built on promises alone.”
He rejected suggestions that it was too early to demand accountability, arguing that early scrutiny was essential to ensure holistic delivery of manifesto commitments and sustainable youth development.
“They are making some strides, but they must move forward decisively and ensure that all youth-centered promises are achieved holistically if we are to realize meaningful development and empowerment for young people,” he added.
The forum brought together youth leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to examine challenges affecting youth development and to amplify youth voices in national policy discussions.
Organizers say the initiative is aimed at influencing policy decisions and strengthening youth participation in governance.
The discussions were covered by GHOne TV, a subsidiary of the EIB Network, as part of broader efforts to bring youth accountability issues to national attention.
Watch the report below:
About The Author
