Ghana Youth Manifesto, a civil society organization is leading Ghanaian Youth to demand fulfilments of priorities areas critical in Governance.
The Youth-Led interventions seek to, among other things, strengthen the capacity of the Youth/ Youth groups to influence political parties’ manifestos and hold them accountable for their manifesto policies and programs.
The Manifesto stands for the voice, needs, successes, aspirations and perspectives of young Ghanaians and provides an understanding of a young person’s everyday challenges and realities in the country.
It is a starting point for designing concrete action plans and programs for inclusive national development.
The call to action came to light during the launch of Ghana Youth Manifesto with the aim of amplify the voices of the Ghanaian Youth as an active and influential stakeholders in the civic, democratic, and socio-economic space in Ghana.
Among the Youth priorities is to see a scrap in all forms of taxes on sanitary pads
Appoint at least two qualified young people aged 18-35 as ministers
Appoint qualified young people aged 18-35 to the National Youth Authority Board
Commit to separate the Ministry of Youth from the Ministry of Youth and Sports
Commit to Put a stop to the National Cathedral and channel the money to the youth resource centres,
Commitment to abolish the Electronic Levy tax on MoMo wallet
Commit to Organise a referendum on a review of the constitution.
Surcharge corrupt government and public officials.
Continue projects of the previous government.
In the Educational sector, the Youth demands that future governments:
Review the Free SHS policy to target needy students.
Increase budgetary allocation to TVET,
Establish modern TVET institutions across the country as indicated by 61% of GYM Survey respondents.
Increase training for TVET instructors.
The Youth also demands that the:
Establishment of an Independent Appointment Commission and De-politicize the appointment of executive members and heads of Security Agencies.
National Peace Council (NPC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and related agencies to increase public education on Peace and Security not only in election periods.
Demands that Youth must be represented on BOARDS of State Peace and security institutions.
Says, Peace and Security-related institutions must train and mentor young people to be Peace Ambassadors.
Future Governments should uphold good governance and accountability by empowering the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate and prosecute corruption and corruption-related acts of public officeholders.
Develop a National Action Plan for UNSCR 2250.
Again, want future governments to review the 1992 Constitution to address youth political participation and facilitate their effective engagement in governance both at the National and local levels.
Furthermore, promote youth representation in Parliament and other decisionmaking bodies through dedicated quotas,
Ensure that the Affirmative action bill is passed as early as possible,
Fund political parties to promote Inclusivity for all, promote accountability and check corruption, bribery and both internal and external election interference.
Reduce campaign and filing fees to create opportunities for young aspirants.
Appoint young persons below the age of 35 to head the NYA, to the board of NYA, Ministry of Youth, and other ministerial positions and state agencies,
Develop engaging educational programs to raise awareness about the political process and political leadership.
Establish a comprehensive framework for the development of disability-friendly infrastructure, particularly focussing on essential services.
Establish a specialized technical and vocational education and training programs tailored to the needs of youth with disabilities.
Implement and sustain special employment programs designed to address the specific challenges faced by physically challenged individuals in the workforce.
Strengthen and enforce inclusive policies across various sectors to eliminate discrimination and create an environment conducive to equal participation and contribution.
Conduct a comprehensive audit of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) with a specific focus on allocations for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Roll-out special employment programs in Agriculture and ICT
Increased promotion of technical and vocational education and training
Provide job search and employment support to job seekers
Promote and provide internships, mentorships and volunteerism
Support startups and small businesses to nurture entrepreneurs and provide support
Facilitate access to funding for emerging enterprises
Establish a social protection programme that targets unemployed youth
Reduced the cost of contraceptives
Incorporate Reproductive Health Education (RHE) into education curriculum.
Promote the role of parents in Reproductive Health Education
Increase education on SRHR to raise awareness and create a more informed public
Increase educational campaigns on contraceptives, STIs and sexual-based violence
Incorporate SRHR into the education curriculum
