Ghana’s Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, speaking at a meeting of Catholic youth in Accra, called on young people in West Africa to take a more active role in building peaceful and prosperous societies. She stressed that the region’s young population has considerable energy, creative potential and opportunities to shape its future, MyJoyOnline reports.
Challenges facing the region’s youth
According to Opoku-Agyemang, young people in West Africa are growing up amid instability, violent extremism, economic hardship, irregular migration, disinformation and the effects of climate change. She noted that these challenges cross national borders, affect governments and communities, and that no country can overcome them alone.
The vice president linked the strengthening of peace to citizens’ trust in institutions, the ability to resolve disputes without violence, and access to real opportunities for a better future. She also said that education must open up opportunities, while those seeking practical skills should have access to appropriate training.
Education and opportunities
Opoku-Agyemang mentioned the National Apprenticeship Programme and the One Million Coders programme, as well as entrepreneurship training, support for business development and access to financing. According to her, these initiatives are investments in Ghana’s youth, stability and prosperity.
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At the same time, she stressed that government programmes are insufficient to overcome all the problems faced by young people. In her view, sustained efforts are needed to improve education, expand opportunities, support entrepreneurship and build an economy capable of providing decent and productive work.
Regional ties and digital platforms
The vice president also noted the role of the Catholic Church in working with communities, shaping young people and defending human dignity, justice and peace. She urged meeting participants to build friendships among people from different countries, as deeper West African integration requires not only agreements, institutions and political leadership, but also personal contacts among the region’s residents.
Opoku-Agyemang cautioned young people about the influence of digital platforms, through which anger, prejudice and false information can spread within seconds. At the same time, she said, technology can unite communities, spread knowledge and create opportunities.
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