Empowering Youth Workers Is Key to National Prosperity, Says Dr. Joseph Wemakor

At the heart of Ghana’s journey toward peace, democratic resilience, and sustainable development lies a group often overlooked—youth workers.

In a stirring address at the National Dialogue on the Professionalization of Youth Work, held in Accra on September 30, 2025, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Platform on SDGs (Youth), issued a bold call for systemic investment in the sector.

“Empowered youth workers mean empowered youth—and empowered youth mean a stable, prosperous nation,” Dr. Wemakor declared, framing youth work not as a side activity, but as a national development imperative.

Speaking with the conviction of both an advocate and a practitioner, Dr. Wemakor—who also serves as Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)—emphasized that youth workers are not simply mentors or volunteers. Rather, they are strategic actors navigating critical societal challenges such as youth unemployment, radicalization, and social exclusion.

“Youth workers are the invisible architects of our democracy,” he said. “It’s time we make their efforts visible and sustainable.”

He called for tangible commitments—including national funding frameworks, institutional capacity-building, and inclusive policy reforms—to anchor youth work as a respected, resourced profession.

The national dialogue, themed “Growing the Profession of Youth Work in Ghana,” was organized by the Association of Youth Work Practitioners (AYWP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the National Youth Authority (NYA), and international partners such as the Commonwealth Youth Programme and CAYWA (Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers’ Associations).

The convening brought together stakeholders from across government, civil society, and development agencies to chart a strategic path for youth work in Ghana—a sector widely acknowledged for its impact but still lacking formal recognition, career structure, and sustainable financing.

In her address, Theodora Anti Williams, Co-Chair of the AYWP, reinforced the urgency of professionalizing youth work.

“Youth work should not be seen as volunteerism or charity. It is a specialized profession that requires structured training, clear ethical standards, and national recognition,” she asserted.

Williams highlighted the critical bridging role youth workers play between policymakers and young people, and called for accreditation systems, funding mechanisms, and enabling policies to elevate the sector.

The event also marked the official relaunch of CAYWA Ghana, led by National Coordinator Peter Anum, who outlined the importance of uniting youth workers into a strong, coordinated body capable of driving reforms and advocating at all levels.

“We need to speak with one voice,” Anum said. “Capacity-building, consistent advocacy, and a shared vision for the profession will ensure youth workers are recognized as essential contributors to national growth.”

The government also signaled its readiness to respond. In a keynote delivered on behalf of the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, the Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority acknowledged the challenges confronting the sector—including low recognition, limited training, and poor career prospects.

“Investing in youth work is investing in the future of Ghana,” he said. “The government is committed to creating enabling environments where youth workers can thrive and support the nation’s development goals.”

The dialogue also welcomed global voices from the Commonwealth community. Tanya Merrick Powel, Co-Chair of CAYWA and Technical Director of the Jamaica Professional Youth Workers Association, commended Ghana’s momentum.

“By investing in professional youth work, Ghana is setting a benchmark for other Commonwealth nations,” she said, while urging Ghana to root its youth development approach in local context and cultural relevance.

Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasized the global shift toward formalizing youth work and extended an invitation to Ghanaian stakeholders to join the Global Commonwealth Youth Work Conference in Malaysia this November.

“International collaboration is key,” he said. “Ghana has a unique opportunity to shape the future of youth work across Africa and the Commonwealth.”

As the dialogue concluded, participants agreed on one key outcome: youth work must be systematized, financed, and respected. The conversation now moves toward action—developing national standards, formal training pathways, and long-term investment strategies to institutionalize the profession.

Dr. Wemakor summed up the moment with clarity and conviction:

“This is not just about programs and projects. It’s about protecting Ghana’s future. And that future begins with empowering those who empower the youth.”