CDD-Ghana promotes youth political participation and inclusion with ‘Youth Speaks Forums’

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in collaboration with the Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF), has launched the “Youth Speaks Forum,” an initiative aimed at stimulating the interest of Ghanaian youth in national politics and governance processes.

Themed ‘Engendering National and Local Level Conversations on Youth Issues ahead of Ghana’s 2020 Elections,’ the Youth Speaks Forums seek to promote dialogue between political actors and the youth, and serve as a platform on which the youth can provide critical feedback on political parties’ policies and programs towards their development.
Bemoaning the low level of political and civic participation among the youth, Regina Oforiwa Amanfo, Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana said the Forums are in line with the Center’s continual advocacy for the inclusion and effective engagement of the youth in governance processes.

“Ghana’s youthful population can be an asset for the nation if the enormous abilities and intellect of the youth are channeled towards national development,” she said. “Unfortunately, the youth have very limited opportunities to engage in governance processes beyond the exercise of their franchise.”

Debuting in the Northern Region, the Youth Speaks Forums will be held in the capital towns of all 16 Regions of Ghana and aired live on radio between July 7 and August 24. At the Forums, various political parties will highlight the policies and programs for youth development outlined in their manifestos, after which the youth will have the opportunity to interrogate these policies and highlight what they consider to be the most important issues that political parties should pay attention to.

The Youth Speaks Forums form part of CDD-Ghana’s “Electoral Support Project” which has been made possible by the generous support of the United State Agency for International Development (USAID-Ghana).

With a mission to promote and deepen democratic consolidation, good governance, and inclusive growth and development, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) works to support and promote a free, peaceful, and a well-governed democracy in Ghana and in other parts of Africa. The Center has over two decades of experience, expansive reach, and a robust network of partners at the national, continental and global levels.

CDDGhana has cultivated an enduring reputation as a leader in the field of democracy and governance, which enables the adoption and implementation of targeted strategies aimed at addressing the fundamental issues hindering citizens from enjoying the full benefits democracy and good governance has to offer.

The Youth Bridge Foundation is a youth oriented non-governmental organization working to equitably harness the potentials of the youth by equipping them with appropriate capacity, platforms and resources that shall enhance their socio-economic and mental well-being, and to advocate for inclusion and responsiveness to youth development needs and rights by those responsible for upholding such rights.