Youth Groups Demand Enhanced Accountability for Government Pledges at Accra Forum

Civil society organizations have urged the government to step up efforts to deliver on its commitments to young people, particularly in the areas of education, skills development, and employment.

While acknowledging some progress, the groups noted that major gaps still persist in the implementation of youth-centered promises.

The appeal was made during a Youth Accountability Forum convened by the Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition, in partnership with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) and other collaborators, with support from OXFAM Ghana and ActionAid Ghana. The forum was held under the theme “Tracking Commitments and Shaping Tomorrow.”

Addressing participants at the event, Solomon Okai, Programs Manager at FOSDA, underscored the importance of sustained and rigorous monitoring of government commitments to the youth. He pointed out that although campaign promises outlined more than 100 initiatives targeting young people, only a limited number have been implemented to date.

“It is not enough to organize an accountability forum or simply bring young people together,” Mr. Okai stated. “There must be consistent efforts to hold government accountable to its own promises, while critically assessing how inclusive and impactful these interventions truly are.”

He further revealed that the coalition intends to make the forum an annual engagement and to develop analytical reports that will track and evaluate progress on youth-related manifesto commitments.

Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognized the initial steps taken by government but stressed the need for more comprehensive and decisive action.

“From the presentations, it is evident that government has begun to act,” Dr. Wemakor noted. “However, much more needs to be done. Youth empowerment cannot rest on promises alone.”

He dismissed claims that it was premature to demand accountability, arguing that early and continuous scrutiny is necessary to ensure the full and sustainable implementation of manifesto commitments.

“Some progress is being made, but government must advance more decisively and ensure that all youth-focused promises are fulfilled in a holistic manner if we are to achieve meaningful development and empowerment for young people,” he added.

The forum brought together youth leaders, civil society groups, and development partners to assess challenges confronting youth development and to strengthen youth participation in national policy dialogue.

According to organizers, the initiative seeks to influence policy outcomes and deepen youth engagement in governance processes.

The event received media coverage from GHOne TV, a subsidiary of the EIB Network, as part of wider efforts to spotlight youth accountability issues at the national level.

 

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