Youth and Women’s empowerment is a national security priority – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater economic empowerment of women and young people, describing their inclusion in development as an essential component of Africa’s peace and security strategy.

He said unemployment, economic exclusion and limited access to opportunities could leave young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups and armed networks.

Presenting the 2026 Tana State of Peace and Security in Africa Report in Ethiopia, President Mahama argued that empowerment should not be treated as charity or a symbolic commitment.

He said the inability of women to access and own land, despite their contribution to agricultural production, undermined inclusive development and the foundations for lasting peace.

The President stressed that security strategies must address the social and economic conditions that enable armed groups to recruit young people.

He maintained that governments could not achieve sustainable peace without creating economic opportunities, strengthening social inclusion and ensuring that women and young people benefited meaningfully from national development.

President Mahama called for a people-centred approach to security that addresses the concerns and livelihoods of communities most exposed to violence.

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The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation is a giant electronic media (Radio and Television) organization tasked with a mission to lead the broadcasting industry through quality programming, which promotes the development and cultural aspirations of Ghana as well as undertaking viable commercial activities