2026 National Youth Conference: Osman Ayariga calls for stronger youth participation in decision-making

Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has called for greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes, saying the youth must be given meaningful opportunities to contribute to Ghana’s development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Youth Conference at the KNUST Great Hall in Kumasi on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Mr Ayariga said young people should not be treated merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as important partners in shaping policies and solutions to national challenges.

He said the National Youth Authority’s mandate includes building the capacity of young people to participate in decision-making at various levels, while promoting leadership, creativity, self-reliance, discipline and civic responsibility.