NYA CEO urges youth to take active role in Ghana’s development at 2026 National Youth Conference

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has called on Ghanaian youth to move beyond being passive beneficiaries of government programmes and become active participants in shaping the nation’s future.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Youth Conference held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, August 11, Mr. Ayariga stressed that young people possess the ideas, skills, leadership qualities and civic responsibility needed to drive national development.

The conference, themed “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age,” brought together young people from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting their lives and Ghana’s development agenda.

Mr. Ayariga urged participants to actively engage in discussions rather than merely listening to speakers, noting that some of the most innovative and practical solutions to national challenges could emerge from the youth themselves.

“Ask difficult questions, respectfully. Challenge speakers constructively. Tell us what’s actually happening in your communities, what isn’t working, and what should be done differently,” he advised.

According to the NYA CEO, young people should not wait until they occupy public office or attain a certain age before making meaningful contributions to society.

“You belong at the table. You don’t have to wait until you’re older to matter, until you have a title to lead, or for permission to make a difference,” he said.

Mr. Ayariga reaffirmed the National Youth Authority’s commitment to creating platforms that promote youth participation in decision-making processes at the national, regional and district levels through partnerships with the Ghana Youth Federation and other stakeholders.

He also encouraged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to build networks, identify mentors, exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting young people.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. And bring somebody else along with you,” he urged.

Mr. Ayariga challenged the youth to leave the conference with renewed patriotism and a stronger commitment to contributing to national development, emphasizing that Ghana’s future is already being shaped by the decisions and actions of today’s young people.