Ghana Urged to Invest in Youth for National Development

Key Takeaways

• The government and UNFPA have called for increased investment in Ghana's 12 million young people.
• The call is aimed at accelerating national development and harnessing the country's demographic dividend.
• Stakeholders are urged to prioritize education, healthcare, skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship for the youth.
• Ghana's youthful population is seen as the country's greatest asset, rather than a challenge to be managed.

The government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have emphasized the critical role of investing in Ghana's young people in accelerating national development and harnessing the country's demographic dividend. This call was made at the launch of Ghana's commemoration of World Population Day 2026 in Accra.

The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and communities, to prioritize education, healthcare, skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship for the youth.

Background & Context

Ghana's population is characterized by a large youth population, with about 12 million Ghanaians, representing 38.2 per cent of the population, being between the ages of 15 and 35. This demographic structure presents both opportunities and challenges for the country's development.

The 2021 Population and Housing Census highlights the significance of investing in the youth population, as it is crucial for Ghana's development trajectory. The census data shows that the youth population is growing rapidly, and if not managed effectively, could lead to social and economic challenges.

Key Findings

According to data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Ghana's 12 million young people are not a challenge to be managed, but rather the country's single greatest asset. This assertion is based on the potential of the youth population to contribute to national development if equipped with the necessary tools and resources.

The Acting Executive Director of the National Population Council (NPC), Ms Angelina Osei Kodua-Nyanor, stressed that sustained investment in quality education, healthcare, skills training, employment, entrepreneurship, and sexual and reproductive health would equip young people with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Broader Implications

Ghana's investment in its youth population has significant implications for the country's development. By prioritizing education, healthcare, skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship, the government can harness the demographic dividend and accelerate national development.

The UNFPA's Country Representative, Mr David Wilfred Ochan, commended the Government for placing population dynamics at the centre of national development through the leadership of the NPC. He reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to supporting policies that placed people at the heart of development while strengthening population data systems.

Looking Ahead

The government and stakeholders are expected to work together to ensure that reliable population data informs evidence-based policies and programmes aimed at improving opportunities for young people nationwide. This collaboration will unlock the potential of Ghana's youthful population and contribute to the country's development trajectory.

The commemoration of World Population Day 2026 marks a significant step towards prioritizing the needs of Ghana's youth population. By investing in the youth, the government can harness the demographic dividend and accelerate national development, ultimately contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.