The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has called on the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) to strengthen youth-focused programmes to help address substance abuse, unemployment, and other challenges confronting young people.
Speaking at the 7th Development and Social Services (DSS) Consultation, Ms. Joyce Kusi-Appiah, Director of Research, Strategy and Information Management (RSIM), said young people aged 15 to 35 constitute about 38 per cent of Ghana’s population, estimated at 11.7 million.
She revealed that a recent Ministry survey showed growing concerns about substance abuse among students, with significant levels of awareness of drug use in tertiary institutions, senior high schools and colleges of education.
“Government alone cannot address these challenges,” she said, urging the Church and its DSS Department to create safe spaces where young people can access mentorship, life skills training and guidance.
Ms. Kusi-Appiah also called for closer collaboration between the Ministry and the Church in vocational training, entrepreneurship, volunteerism and youth leadership development. She described investment in young people as “a strategic investment in Ghana’s future prosperity.”
In response, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, called for practical partnerships among the Church, government agencies, development partners and the private sector to address the needs of young people and other vulnerable groups.
The consultation discussed strategies for promoting human dignity, youth empowerment and sustainable community development.
By Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
