Opare Addo calls for greater youth participation in policy decisions at Commonwealth forum

Youth and Empowerment Minister George Opare Addo has stressed the need for young people to have a stronger voice in shaping policies and opportunities that affect their lives. He said empowering the youth to participate meaningfully in decision-making was critical to addressing their concerns and ensuring that development initiatives reflect their aspirations. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, November 3, Mr Opare Addo said discussions at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, had highlighted the importance of placing young people at the centre of policy development. The forum forms part of the 2026 Commonwealth Forums, which officially opened ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). A delegation from Ghana’s Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment participated in the youth-focused gathering. According to the minister, the discussions reinforce Ghana’s commitment to creating an environment where young people can influence decisions while accessing opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, skills development and innovation. He maintained that youth empowerment should go beyond creating opportunities for economic advancement to include giving young people a meaningful role in governance. Mr Opare Addo said Ghana’s investment in its young population remained central to building a prosperous future, emphasising that their participation and contribution were necessary for national development. The Commonwealth confirms that the 14th Commonwealth Youth Forum opened on November 2 and runs until November 4, with more than 300 youth delegates participating. This provides useful context for both stories.