EMPOWERING GHANA'S FUTURE: ENCOURAGING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS AND LEADERSHIP

Ghana's youth represent a significant proportion of the country's population, and their participation in politics and leadership is crucial for the nation's development. Empowering young people to become more engaged in the political process and take on leadership roles can help create a brighter future for Ghana.

Ghana has a rich political history since gaining independence in 1957. In this 4th Republic, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) being the two major political parties. The efforts to encourage youth involvement in politics, the perception that politics is only for the old and wealthy persists, creating a gap between young people and political leadership. This article aims to motivate Ghanaian youth to participate in politics and take an active role in shaping the political future of their country.

Although, recently the NPP is often seen as an older generation's party, it has taken deliberate steps to address this issue by creating space for youth participation in its leadership. The party established TESCON (Tertiary Students Confederacy of NPP) to provide a platform for young people in tertiary institutions to engage in politics. The NPP believes that the youth should be given a chance to shape the future of the country and contribute to national development.

Similarly, the NDC has TEIN (Tertiary Education Institutions Network), and always encouraged young people to get involved in its activities and provided numerous opportunities for them to participate. The party recognizes the crucial role the youth have to play in shaping Ghana's political destiny and building a better future for all.

Both political parties offer a wealth of opportunities for young people to participate in politics, including joining youth wings of political parties, attending political rallies and meetings, engaging in policy discussions, and running for political office. By actively engaging in politics, young people can gain valuable skills and knowledge that will be useful in their future political careers.

One of the significant benefits of youth participation in politics is the opportunity to influence policy decisions that affect their lives directly. The youth in Ghana face various challenges, such as unemployment, inadequate education, and insufficient access to healthcare. By participating in politics, young people can advocate for policies that address these issues and make a positive impact on their communities. The youth can work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote youth empowerment, job creation, and access to quality education and healthcare.

Active participation in politics can lead to greater representation of the youth in government and public life. The youth are a significant demographic group in Ghana, yet their voices are often underrepresented in the political arena. By participating in politics, young people can ensure that their views and concerns are heard and represented in the decision-making process.

Youth participation in politics is crucial for the development of Ghana's democracy and national progress. The NPP and NDC offer numerous opportunities for young people to participate in politics and contribute to the growth of their country. Young people should take advantage of these opportunities and actively participate in politics to shape the political future of Ghana, creating a better future for themselves and future generations.