By Jones Anlimah
Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Lawyer George Opare-Addo, has received the Conakry Youth Declaration—a clarion call for urgent action to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa.
The Declaration, crafted at a week-long regional youth forum in Conakry, Guinea, brings together the voices of young people from 15 West and Central African countries. The document presented by Benedicta Afrifah Baah, Plan International Ghana’s Youth Advisory Panel and Shirley Amankwah Awudu, also of Plan International Ghana’s Alumni Network, the document outlines ambitious priorities for tackling unemployment, inequality, climate change, and youth exclusion from governance.
At its core, the Declaration aligns closely with the SDGs, demanding:
Quality Education (SDG 4):
Education reforms to match labor market needs, increased national budgets for education, and inclusive learning for youth with disabilities.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8):
Removal of excessive job entry barriers, tax relief for youth entrepreneurs, and expanded funding for youth-led businesses.
Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3):
Improved mental health services, menstrual health product tax exemptions, and stricter enforcement against harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.
Climate Action (SDG 13):
Integration of environmental education in schools, investment in renewable energy, and support for youth-led green initiatives.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16):
A demand for at least 30 percent youth representation in decision-making bodies at all levels.
The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Lawyer Opare-Addo, commended the youth leaders, saying their vision “challenges us as leaders to ensure that young people are at the heart of Ghana’s development agenda.” He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing youth inclusion in national policy.
The Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, who also received a copy of the Declaration, stressed the need for partnership between government, civil society, and young people to achieve these targets.
The delegation, led by Plan International Ghana’s Country Director, Constant Tchona, emphasized the document’s importance as a roadmap for governments. “The Conakry Declaration is not just a statement; it is a blueprint for meaningful youth participation in achieving the SDGs,” he said.
With its rallying cry, “Our commitment is total, our voice is strong, our future is now,” the Conakry Declaration positions Africa’s youth as key drivers of sustainable change.
