Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, has stated that Ghana’s approach to youth development ensures that marginalised groups are actively involved in decision-making, rather than being treated solely as beneficiaries.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Youth Development Summit held at Oxford University, Ayariga said, “In Ghana, marginalised youth, including persons with disabilities, are not just beneficiaries; they are decision-makers.”
He explained that this approach is grounded in Ghana’s National Youth Policy, which promotes inclusion as a core governance principle under youth development mainstreaming.
According to him, the country has embedded representation within its institutions to ensure that policies reflect lived experiences. He cited the National Youth Authority as an example, noting that leadership structures include persons from marginalised backgrounds, including the appointment of a visually impaired Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
READ: Youth must be co-creators of policy, not just beneficiaries – Osman Ayariga calls for reform
Beyond leadership, Ayariga said representatives of marginalised youth groups are actively involved in district and regional youth committees, as well as on governing boards of youth agencies, where they contribute to oversight and decision-making.
He added that inclusion is also reflected in programme design, with national initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura Programme incorporating quota systems, targeted outreach, and consultations with groups including persons with disabilities, rural youth and displaced populations.
Ayariga further noted that Ghana is investing in long-term structures to sustain youth participation, including the establishment of the Ghana Network of Youth with Disabilities to support advocacy and policy engagement.
He emphasised that Ghana’s model demonstrates that meaningful inclusion requires deliberate policy direction, institutional representation, and sustained engagement mechanisms.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
