YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRACY

 

Gloria Mensah Writes:

The participation of youth in a democratic governance is a crucial aspect-how do the youth deepen participation in democracy?

On Friday 8th March, 2024, a seminar titled "Youth Democracy Forum" was organized, which is meant to strengthen the participation of youth in democracy.

Every 8th March marks a yearly celebration of International Women's Day, to celebrate and appreciate all women around the world, for their remarkable support in the world. 

Somewhere in Ghana, Greater Accra to be precise, The "Center For Democracy and Socio Economic Development (CDS AFRICA), organized a seminar at Wisconsin  International University College and that was how Wisconsin celebrated International Women's Day.

The theme for the forum was "Deepening Youth Participation in the Democratic Process".

The motive of CDS AFRICA states, "We strive to become the lead advocacy platform for democracy and socio-economic development in Africa".

This ensures that, effective participation of youth in democratic governance helps to assist the government, in implementing policies and changes that will benefit Ghana as a whole.

We are in a democratic governance, but sometimes certain obstacles prevent the youth form voicing out their opinions and thoughts. 

Some reasons are lack of self-confidence, class of people (wealthy, middle class, their status and connections), lack of finance and resources among others.

All these are barriers that prevent the youth from fully partaking in civic activities, where they can share their creative ideas to improve development of the country. 

Some of the speakers who delivered a speech include; Professor Obeng Mireku (President of Wisconsin Ghana), Mr. Emmanuel Mensah (Director of Programs, CDS Africa) Professor Alidu Seidu (University of Ghana), Madam Mavis Ekua Kwainoe (Law Lecturer,  Wisconsin), Worship Frimpong (Gimpa Law School), Hakeem Enyan Steve (SRC President, Wisconsin), Naana Akosua Lexis (Brand Consultant) among others.

Each of these speakers emphasized on key points such as;

Hakeem: The number of people (students) are interested in participating in school curriculum activities and how effectively do people handle positions given to them in school? 

Naana Akosua Lexis: Educate, Empower and Preserve.

We must educate one another on issues, empower ourselves and preserve the knowledge we get to improve our lives and the country.

Prof. Alidu Seidu: Clarification and Concepts (Democracy and Participation)

Worship Frimpong: Self-reflection. (Looking within ourselves, asking ourselves questions, changing our mind-sets to improve democracy)

Madam Mavis Ekua: Overcoming our fears, being bold and courageous to engage in civic activities, to strengthen democracy.

CDS AFRICA wishes to deepen and strengthen democracy by empowering the youth, and this can be achieved if we the individuals challenge ourselves in participating in civic or public activities.

The youth can also reach out to the National Communication for Civic Education (NCCE), which will assist them in participating in public activities.

We must also bare in mind that, a successful leader without a successor is a complete failure. 

Thus, we must all try as much as we possibly can, to decrease the complains and act, as the time to act is now.

Let us all come together to change the necessary narratives, to help improve and enhance the development of the country.

CDS AFRICA: www.cdsafrica.org 

Writer's Email: 1mensahgloria@gmail.com