The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has inaugurated the Working Group of the Ministry’s Joint Steering Committee, tasking members to support government efforts to address challenges facing young people, particularly substance abuse, while promoting skills development and youth empowerment.
At the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, the Minister underscored the strategic role of the Working Group in shaping and driving interventions to improve the lives of young people across the country.
He urged members to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the committee’s work and champion behavioural change initiatives, particularly following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry and the Christian Council of Ghana aimed at curbing substance abuse among young people.
Mr Opare Addo said the youth remained the country’s greatest asset and needed the right values, opportunities and support systems to contribute meaningfully to national development. He called on members to use their influence and expertise to promote responsible behaviour and healthy lifestyles among young people.
The Minister also highlighted skills development as a key driver of youth empowerment and economic growth, citing the role of the Digital Technology Institute (DTI) in providing industry-relevant training to prepare young people for the modern workforce and the digital economy.
He encouraged members to leverage their networks and platforms to mobilise resources, partnerships and support to expand opportunities for young people nationwide.
Mr Opare Addo further tasked the Working Group with identifying innovative interventions and recommending successful programmes that could be scaled up to reach more beneficiaries.
He stressed the need for evidence-based approaches with measurable outcomes and lasting impact in youth development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.