Ho Central MP inaugurates Ho Municipal Youth parliament to strengthen youth leadership

The Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Hon. Richmond Edem Kofi Kpotosu, has officially inaugurated the Ho Municipal Youth Parliament (HMYP), describing the initiative as a major step towards nurturing a new generation of responsible leaders equipped to strengthen Ghana's democracy.

The Ghana Youth Parliament policy at the local government level mandates Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to institutionalise youth participation, hold quarterly sittings, and integrate youth development into local planning frameworks through the National Youth Authority (NYA).

The inauguration, held at the Assembly Hall of the Ho Municipal Assembly on Saturday, July 25, 2026, was organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA) Ho Municipal Directorate in collaboration with the Ho Municipal Assembly. The event marked the inaugural sitting of the First Session of the Second Parliament of the Ho Municipal Youth Parliament, bringing together representatives from youth groups, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and community-based organisations.

Addressing the newly sworn-in Youth Parliamentarians, Hon. Kpotosu stressed the importance of understanding Ghana's democratic system and the role Parliament plays in national development. He said the future of the country's democracy depends on young people appreciating the Constitution and embracing the responsibilities that come with leadership.

"The future of Ghana's democracy is brightest when our young people understand Parliament, the Constitution and the responsibility that comes with leadership," he stated.

The Ho Central MP introduced the young legislators to the basic principles of parliamentary practice, including order, discipline, respect for the Speaker, constructive debate and consensus building. According to him, these principles are essential to every effective legislature and should guide the conduct of the members throughout their tenure.

Hon. Kpotosu also educated the Youth Parliamentarians on key provisions of the 1992 Constitution that govern the work of the Parliament of Ghana. He explained that the Constitution is not merely a legal document but the supreme law that safeguards democracy, promotes accountability and protects the rights of every Ghanaian.

He urged the members to see leadership as an opportunity to serve rather than a position of prestige.

"Leadership is not about titles or applause. Leadership is about service, integrity, competence and the courage to stand for what is right even when it is difficult," he told the House.

The Member of Parliament encouraged the Youth Parliament to become a platform for proposing innovative solutions to local development challenges, engaging constructively with stakeholders and promoting good governance within the Ho Municipality.

He further congratulated the National Youth Authority, the Ho Municipal Assembly and all stakeholders whose commitment led to the successful revitalisation of the Youth Parliament.

"Learn. Debate. Listen. Lead. Your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your generation has the responsibility to shape the Ghana we all desire," he advised the young legislators.

Earlier, the Volta Regional Programmes Officer of the National Youth Authority, Mr Selorm, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of youth participation in governance. He encouraged members to uphold integrity, patriotism, discipline and servant leadership while explaining the operations and objectives of Youth Parliaments under the National Youth Authority.

An orientation session was organised to familiarise members with the structure, procedures and expectations of the Ho Municipal Youth Parliament before leadership elections were conducted.

Rt. Hon. Jones S. Amegashie-Viglo was overwhelmingly elected Speaker of the Ho Municipal Youth Parliament. Hon. Favour Anyaele Okorie and Hon. Thomas Kudzo Gadasu were elected First and Second Deputy Speakers respectively. Mr Daniel Oppong was appointed Clerk of Parliament while Miss Christiana Larbi became Deputy Clerk.

The Parliament also elected its Majority and Minority Caucus leadership to oversee parliamentary business and ensure effective representation within the House.

Delivering the welcome address, the Ho Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority, Mr Charles Kwesi Gomenu, congratulated members on the successful inauguration and described the revitalisation of the Youth Parliament as an important achievement for youth development in the municipality. He noted that the institution would provide young people with a recognised platform to contribute meaningfully to governance and public policy discussions.

Members later took the Oath of Office administered by the Presiding Member of the Ho Municipal Assembly, Hon. Mawunyo Agbe, who described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening youth participation in local governance. He also educated members on the responsibilities of local government and the opportunities available for young people to participate in decision-making processes.

In his acceptance speech, Speaker Rt. Hon. Jones S. Amegashie-Viglo pledged to lead the House with impartiality, integrity and fairness. He appealed to Hon. Kpotosu to serve as the voice of the Youth Parliament in the national Parliament and urged the Presiding Member to strengthen collaboration between the municipal assembly and the youth legislature.

Following the inauguration, members held their first parliamentary sitting where they established the Governance and Constitutional Affairs Committee and the Committee on Selection to guide the operational framework of the House.

The revitalised Ho Municipal Youth Parliament is expected to serve as an inclusive and non-partisan platform that empowers young people to debate issues affecting their communities, contribute to policy discussions and develop leadership skills necessary for national development.

The National Youth Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Parliament in producing ethical, competent and visionary young leaders capable of contributing to the socio-economic development of the Ho Municipality and Ghana.

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