Youth Without Borders (YWB) Ghana Represents Ghanaian Youth At The 26th African Union (AU) Summit

Many years down the line, the very first President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared the vision of a free and united Africa, which saw the establishment of Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU). A group of passionate young Ghanaians, founding members of Youth Without Borders (YWB) Ghana, made their way to the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia upon invitation by the AU to participate in an Intergenerational Dialogue on the theme: `’Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa Towards the Realization of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063.’’

This historic visit brought together over two hundred (200) young leaders from across Africa and the diaspora to engage with Heads of States and Governments, Heads of continental Institutions, Pan African Youth Union(PYU), African Union Youth Volunteers, United Nation Agencies and other global business leaders at the 5^th AU Intergenerational Dialogue held on the 27th and 28th January 2016.

The two-day event ignited intense and intellectual discussions on issues of development in Africa with major concern on matters affecting the youth. Thematic areas for discussion included: Inclusive and Compulsory Education, Enhancing Economic Empowerment of the Youth Particularly Young Women, Investing in Young People's Health and Well-being, Promoting the Culture of Human Rights, National Consciousness and Diversity in Governance, and Rights Based Approach to Peace Building.

The task to represent the millions of Ghanaian youth was not taken for granted; the team did not relent in their efforts to add their voice to the discussion as persons like King David Cartey, Richard Apau, Musa Frimpong, Harriet Yayra Adzofu took turns to address the panel with YWB Executive Director, Musa Frimpong being a member of the organising team for this high level meeting from the African Union Youth Division. The West African Sub region spoke and further led the presentation on ‘’Rights Based Approach to Peace Building’’ as one of the thematic areas for discussion with the Heads of States and Governments. This activity strengthened the linkages between the young people and the decision-makers.

At the end of the dialogue and deliberation, recommendations were made, set actions were endorsed, including clear commitments to be taken throughout 2016 and beyond by the Heads of States and Governments and African Union Commission. Some of the key resolutions made were to ensure a successful organization of Banjul+10 youth conference in May 2016 in Gambia; to critically examine the effectiveness of the African Youth Charter since its inception in 2006. Recommendations on other areas of priority towards the realization of the objectives set in the theme were presented to African Heads of States and Governments and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma by the Pan African Youth Union.

Following the Intergenerational Dialogue, the youth leaders from Ghana had a special dinner invitation from the Ghanaian Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Albert Yankey, where they met and interacted with the President of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, the First Lady Lordina Mahama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Hannah Tetteh, Government officials and the Ghanaian community in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the development of the Ghanaian Youth and the way forward.

Subsequently, the team also had the opportunity of observe the 26^th AU General Assembly sitting held on 30^th and 31^st of January 2016, during which they interacted with past and present African Heads of States on gender, peace and youth participation in decision making. These experiences inspired the team to be more assertive with the developmental needs of young people in Ghana, Africa and beyond. The deliberations and experience have led to a renewed commitment of the team to help organise the young people of Ghana in a determined manner to advance progress in society through the activities of Youth Without Borders (YWB-GHANA).

Youth Without Borders Ghana is a youth-for-youth development organisation and social movement with national, continental and global outlook. It seeks to courageously challenge the systems around the world of young people that hinder the full realization of their potential and development. Their commitment is to build concrete structures and solutions to address the developmental challenges facing young people and society at large.

The group involves highly motivated and committed young Ghanaians with enormous experiences in Youth conferences and Volunteerism both home and abroad who are passionate about helping Ghana find itself again on the stage of excellence, national and regional consciousness by holding socio-economic engagements and stakeholder consultations to unearth the potentials of youth in Ghana. YWB has also recommitted itself to resurrect and relive the Osagyefo dream and make Africa a global player through the power of the youth.

Signed:
Mr. King David Cartey
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected]