Youth Activist and former World Universities Debating Council President, Antonio Edem Asinyo, has called on Ghana’s young people to prepare deliberately for opportunities, saying ambition alone is not enough to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.
To mark International Youth Day 2026, Mr. Asinyo said the theme for this year, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” reflects the Ghanaian experience.
According to him, while a young person in Tamale may face different circumstances from one in Takoradi, Kumasi or Accra, their aspirations remain the same — quality education, meaningful employment, dignity, opportunity, and a voice in decisions that shape their future.
Mr. Asinyo commended government efforts to expand opportunities for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship, education, employment and digital innovation. However, he stressed that opportunities only become meaningful when young people are prepared to take advantage of them.
“To every young Ghanaian, my message is simple: do not wait for the perfect opportunity. Learn a skill. Build your network. Embrace technology. Take internships seriously. Start something. Volunteer. Ask questions. Keep learning,” he stated.
The youth advocate also noted that youth development is a shared responsibility. He said government must create the right environment, the private sector must create opportunities, institutions must open doors, and young people must be willing to step forward and take responsibility for the future they desire.
“Our goal must be a Ghana where talent is not limited by geography, opportunity is not determined by background, and a young person’s circumstances do not become the ceiling of their dreams,” he added.
Mr. Asinyo concluded by urging young Ghanaians to remain hopeful, purposeful and determined.
“Your circumstances may explain where you begin, but they should never determine where you end. Let us dream boldly. Let us prepare deliberately. Let us seize every opportunity. And together, let us build the Ghana we want to inherit.”
He signed off with: Happy International Youth Day 2026.
Source: Antonio Edem Asinyo, Youth Activist & Past President, WUDC
