Maddalena Nkansah, founder of Vita Aid and the Young Political Advocates (YPA), has reiterated the need to empower young people in Ghana through education, skills development, and civic engagement.
According to Ms Nkansah, many young people today face significant challenges, including limited access to jobs, inadequate opportunities to acquire new skills, and barriers to education. She noted that these challenges have contributed to a growing disinterest in politics among the youth.
“The idea is to find practical ways to empower young people to make informed decisions about their future,” she said, emphasizing that YPA seeks to equip the youth with the tools needed to actively participate in national development. She clarified that YPA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with no affiliation to any political party.
Instead, the platform focuses on political education and encourages collaboration with government institutions to help shape the country’s future. “What we are doing is not about campaigning for any political party. It is about working together to build a better future for young people,” she added.
She further highlighted that members of the organisation have diverse aspirations, ranging from becoming political leaders and business professionals to pursuing opportunities abroad. YPA aims to support these ambitions by providing mentorship, guidance, and access to resources. As part of its activities, YPA recently organised its first outreach program, bringing together young people from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Northern regions.
During the event, participants received training on how to identify opportunities within their communities and the effective and ethical use of social media. The program also included a health component, with free health screenings conducted for both participants and residents of Abuakwa and its surrounding communities. Medical professionals used the occasion to provide health education, including information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In addition, free health insurance registration was offered to participants. Organisers say the initiative not only equipped young people with knowledge and practical skills but also created opportunities for networking and social interaction. Maddalena Nkansah expressed optimism that such initiatives will inspire more young people to take an active role in their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Source: www.starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Bediako
