Deepening Youth Participation in the Democratic Process

Thursday 29th of February 2024

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Moot Court GIMPA Law School , Accra.

Accra . Ghana

YOUTH DEMOCRACY FORUM ENCOURAGES GHANAIAN YOUTH TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES

Introduction

The Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa), a think tank that recognizes the importance of democracy in Africa's growth and development held its inaugural Youth Democracy Forum at the Daniel Mckorley Moot Court, GIMPA Law School, Accra, Ghana, on February 29, 2024. The forum, the first of four to be held in public and private university campuses across the regional capital, under the theme, Deepening Youth Participation in the Democratic Process," is a call to duty by CDS Africa, in recognition of the critical role of the youth in safeguarding democracies all over the world as the cornerstone of every democratic dispensation. The forum empaneled Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director – IDEG, Madam Kathleen Addy, Chairperson – NCCE, and Prof. Alidu Seidu, Head of Department, Political Science, University of Ghana to serve as keynote speakers, panelists, and discussants. These persons have committed their careers to the promotion of democracy in all its forms and were thus deemed the best practitioners to facilitate an interactive session that ignited constructive dialogue and deepened understanding of the pivotal role the youth play in shaping Ghana's democratic future.

 

Highlights and Outcomes

Key highlights included a thought-provoking keynote address and related speeches, offering invaluable insights into democratic principles and the imperative of youth engagement, as well as an engaging panel discussion that addressed pressing issues facing Ghanaian youth, offering innovative solutions for societal challenges.

Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Budu's Solidarity message: Dr. Agyeman-Budu, the Dean of the GIMPA Law School, delivered a solidarity message, essentially emphasizing the pivotal role of Ghanaian youth in propelling the country's democratic evolution forward.

Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan's Speech: Hon. Alhassan, Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency where GIMPA is located, delivered an impassioned speech urging youth to seize the opportunities presented by democracy and actively engage in shaping the nation's future. She emphasized that "Youth Participation in democratic processes is not only desirable but very essential, adding that youth engagement in democracy is not just a right but also a responsibility."

Mr. Joshua Worship Frimpong's Insights: Mr. Frimpong, a student leader from GIMPA Law School, articulated the pressing need for meaningful youth engagement, emphasizing the importance of addressing youth-centric issues such as unemployment to harness their potential, as catalysts for innovation and progress.

Celestine Addo's Reflections: Ms. Addo, another student from GIMPA Law School, underscored the historical significance of youth involvement in Ghana's democratic journey, highlighting the pivotal role of institutions like the National Youth Agency in promoting youth participation.

Prof. Alidu Seidu’s Keynote address: Prof. who is Head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana had his address centered on deciphering what democracy was, the types, processes and evolution of democracy and the democratic processes. His address also explained the nuances of participation as regards democracy and democratic processes. Prof. Alidu Seidu concluded by entreating the youth to choose and safeguard the democratic principles, participate in the democratic process, and always choose the myriad of resolution mechanisms available to them when in need of redress, including lawful demonstrations, protests, using the court system, and using the right to vote.

Panel discussion: The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion that delved into critical insights on citizen empowerment and civic responsibility, emphasizing the imperative of collective action, citizen vigilance, and youth-driven solutions for a more vibrant and inclusive democratic landscape in Ghana. The Panelist addressed preliminary questions on the subject posed to them by the moderator and followed that up with questions from participants at the forum.

The resounding voices of the participants reverberated through the halls, marking a significant milestone in our collective journey towards fostering youth participation in democratic processes. Organized in collaboration with RGG News, this forum epitomized our unwavering commitment to empower young minds, providing them with a platform to articulate their concerns, explore opportunities within democratic frameworks, and catalyze positive change in our beloved nation.

From impassioned speeches on governance to insightful reflections on civic engagement, the forum fostered meaningful conversations that transcended boundaries and inspired actionable steps towards a more inclusive society.

Recommendations

Participants at the forum had the following recommendations:

  • CDS Africa was entreated to hold more of such fora, targeting not just students, who can be considered the elite, but also the youth who are out of school, hawking on the streets or engaged in informal trading activities, to whip up their interest in democratic participation.
  • In future fora, some young persons should be included as panelists to represent the views of the youth.
  • Such an important program should not only be held annually or during an election year, but with support from government, CDS Africa could make it a recurring program to held nationwide.

For inquiries or further information, please contact Dr. Abena Boateng

 

For more images checkout Youth Democracy Forum - GIMPA Album

 

Event Featuring

Speaker

Feature

Prof. Seidu Alidu

Head of the Political Science Department, University of Ghana, legon

Discussant

Feature

Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey

Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG)

Discussant

Feature

Madam Kathleen Addy

CHAIRPERSON National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE)

Discussant

Feature

Worship Joshua Frimpong

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Adane Chemist Limited

Discussant

Feature

Celestine Addo

Secretary at Lithur Brew & Company

R.S.V.P