Accra: Mr. Christopher Penu, the National Co-ordinator of Ghana Youth Manifesto, emphasized the importance of youth resourcefulness over material possessions at a recent workshop. He highlighted that the depth of one's resourcefulness determines their contributions to society.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Penu presented his insights during a workshop organized by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). The event, attended by 45 participants from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Southern Sector, focused on coalition building and movement strengthening. These CSOs are partners of the 'I Am Aware Programme,' a non-partisan citizens' empowerment initiative led by CDD-Ghana.
Mr. Penu proposed that if a mere 20 percent of the youth became politically conscious, the national landscape would significantly change. He pointed out that politicians often exploit the ignorance of the youth, with ignorance proving costly to societal progress. He reiterated the sovereignty of the people, stating that all state agencies, including the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary, are accountable to every Ghanaian.
Highlighting the impact of ignorance, Mr. Penu noted that citizens often remain passive while their rights are infringed by those in power. He drew attention to the detrimental effects of corruption, which diverts resources that could otherwise create jobs for the youth and improve living standards.
Mr. Penu called on the youth to move beyond mere complaints and actively propose and amplify solutions. He stressed the importance of consensus building and strengthening movements to achieve this goal. He assured continued technical support and advice to make life more meaningful for the youth.
The Ghana Youth Manifesto serves as a crucial document that outlines the aspirations, demands, and policy recommendations for young Ghanaians, underlining the significance of youth involvement in shaping the nation's future.