The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has delivered a powerful call for youth inclusion in governance at the inaugural African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF), held at the Accra International Conference Centre to mark International Youth Day.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, the NYA CEO described the gathering as “the beginning of a political awakening” and stressed that Africa’s young people are not merely “leaders of tomorrow” but active leaders of today whose voices must shape the continent’s governance structures.
“With over 60 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the so-called youth bulge is either a ticking time bomb or a demographic dividend. The truth is, it will be whatever we choose to make it,” he told delegates.
The NYA boss warned that failure to invest in youth leadership and create inclusive political systems could lead to frustration and disengagement, but with empowerment and real participation, the continent’s young people could become the “driving force of Africa’s democratic renewal, economic growth, and sustainable development.”
Mr. Ayariga criticised the tendency to treat young people merely as campaign foot soldiers or symbols, urging that they be seen instead as full stakeholders and policymakers. “Political inclusion is not an act of charity — it is a democratic imperative,” he emphasised.
The forum, which brought together youth leaders, political party representatives, AU officials, ministers, and development partners, was described as a historic platform to push for:
• Institutionalised youth leadership pipelines in political parties,
• Genuine intergenerational mentorship,
• Continental cooperation on youth policy and governance reforms, and
• A unified voice for youth inclusion in decision-making.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment, Mr. Ayariga highlighted that government is working to expand platforms for youth participation in governance, reform institutions to accommodate more young leaders, and partner with the AYPF to ensure Ghanaian youth are represented in continental dialogues.
He also urged African youth to take initiative without waiting for permission: “Your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your time is now. From South Africa to Morocco, from Somalia to Senegal, from Egypt to Madagascar — I say to you, the time is now!”
The NYA boss further encouraged senior political leaders to embrace the rise of young leaders, stressing that wisdom is strengthened — not weakened — when shared across generations.
The keynote address concluded with a challenge to development partners and governments alike to back their rhetoric with concrete resources, measurable actions, and sustainable policies.
“Let this inaugural African Youth in Politics Forum be remembered not for the speeches we give today, but for the policies we implement tomorrow,” Mr. Osman Ayariga declared.
The African Youth in Politics Forum 2025 is expected to become a continental platform for shaping inclusive governance, amplifying youth voices, and driving intergenerational partnership in African politics.
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