The National Youth Authority (NYA), Western North Regional Secretariat, has commemorated African Youth Day with a Youth Dialogue held on October 30, 2025, at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sefwi Wiawso.
The event, which preceded the National Youth Ministerial Dialogue scheduled for November 1, 2025, was held under the theme โAccountability, Policy, and Youth-Led Solutions for National Development.โ
It brought together 72 participants from NGOs, civil society organizations, student unions, youth groups, and government institutions.
The dialogue provided a valuable platform for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges and successes across six key ministries, and propose actionable recommendations to guide policymakers in advancing youth development in the region.
These ministries included the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Agribusiness.
The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, graced the event as the Guest of Honour, commending the NYA for creating a platform for youth engagement and development.
He expressed his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and collaborating closely with the youth to advance development and progress in the region.
โThis is an organization where we welcome everybody’s ideas and ideologies. As a Regional Minister, my doors are open 24/7, especially to the youth. You can come to meโwe shall discuss and make sure your ideas are implemented,โ he stated.
He further highlighted his readiness to work swiftly with young people to bring their ideas to life, adding humorously, โSome of you know the way I do my things; thatโs why I say I am a Gen Z, because quickly, quickly, I do it.โ His remarks drew laughter and applause from participants.
In his address, the Acting Regional Director for the National Youth Authority (NYA), Alhassan Mohammed Adama, encouraged the youth to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to achieving their life goals.
He emphasized that the future of the nation depends on the strength and vision of its young people, noting that โa failed youth is a failed senior citizen.โ
He highlighted several government-led interventions designed to empower young people, including the National Apprenticeship Program, which he described as a โgame-changerโ aimed at equipping the youth with practical skills for sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.
The Acting Regional Director urged participants to take advantage of such opportunities to build meaningful careers and contribute positively to national development.
He further cautioned against the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly the use of opioids locally referred to as โred.โ
Alhassan Mohammed Adama warned that such habits destroy potential and derail progress, urging the youth to stay disciplined, make positive choices, and channel their energy toward innovation, leadership, and community development.
Participants at the dialogue expressed appreciation to the NYA Western North Secretariat for organizing such an insightful and engaging event.
They noted that the discussions had broadened their understanding of youth policies, opportunities, and challenges, and commended the leadership of Mr. Adama and his team for their continuous efforts to promote youth empowerment in the region.
