Youth activist and former President of the World Universities Debating Council, Antonio Edem, has called on policymakers to pay greater attention to the concerns of young people, particularly the challenges surrounding employment.
Speaking with host Lantam Papanko on Starr Focus, Antonio Edem, acknowledged what he described as positive steps by the government, including the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development, the No-Fee-Stress policy and apprenticeship programmes.
However, he said there is still more to be done to ensure that young people fully benefit from the country’s economic progress.
According to him, young people must also take responsibility for preparing themselves for opportunities by developing relevant skills, engaging productively on social media and exploring avenues such as trade.
“We should prepare ourselves. And by preparing ourselves, it means we should use social media usefully, we should engage ourselves, apply ourselves to trade, and ensure that we are ready for opportunities that come our way ” he said
The youth activist further urged young people not to lose hope despite the difficulties confronting them, insisting that there is still a future for Ghanaian youth.
He particularly highlighted employment as an area that requires greater attention, noting that although the economy is “doing very well,” some people are still not experiencing the benefits.
Mr Antonio Edem Asinyo also cited the No-Fee-Stress policy and apprenticeship programmes as initiatives he believes deserve recognition.
However, he stressed that acknowledging these interventions should not prevent policymakers from listening to the concerns of young people and using their feedback to improve existing policies.
Mr. Antonio Edem also commended the government for establishing the Ministry of Youth Development, saying the move would help coordinate youth-related activities and strengthen policymaking in the sector.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayeson
