Africa-Press – Ghana. The African Youth and Adolescents Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN Ghana) has held its 3rd Special Delegates General Assembly, reaffirming the network’s commitment to youth empowerment and development in Ghana.
It reiterated its commitment to amplifying youth voices, empowering young leaders, driving positive change across national development priorities, influencing policy and strengthening youth-led initiatives.
The General Assembly brought together over 40 youth leaders, member organisations, and national partners from across the country, which marked a significant milestone in strengthening the network’s governance and aligning its membership for the years ahead.
Speaking at the event in Accra, Mr Mohammed Saani Adams, the Director of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development, emphasised the importance of youth leadership in advancing national development goals.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to creating safe spaces where young people could contribute and influence policy processes.
Mr Archibald Donkoh Junior, the Director of Programmes and Operations at the National Youth Authority (NYA), expressed the Authority’s unwavering support for AfriYAN Ghana.
He commended the network for its efforts towards empowering young people, strengthening youth-led initiatives, and advancing national development.
On her part, Madam Adwoa Yenyi, a representative of the UNFPA Ghana, underscored the commitment of the UNFPA Ghana towards youth leadership and youth-led advocacy.
She also acknowledged AfriYAN’s influence in shaping development conversations, especially in areas such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), environmental sustainability, and youth participation in governance.
The General Assembly, which was under the theme: “Advancing the AfriYAN Agenda: Meaningful Participation, Stronger Leadership, Greater Impact”, presented an opportunity for the network members to reflect and take decisions necessary for its growth.
They included adoption of a reviewed AfriYAN Ghana Constitution to serve as its governing document, effective 1st January 2026, and election and induction of new leaders to steer the affairs of the network for the next two years.
Ms Princess Lovia Tetteh of LoveAid Foundation was elected as the National Chairperson, to be supported by newly elected Pillar leads to ensure representation across key development priority areas.
Ms Dorothy Amegatchey would oversee Pillar One, comprising Leadership, Governance, Policy, Finance, and Development while Ms Marilyn Owusu would lead Pillar two, which consisted of Adolescent and Youth Health and Development.
Mr Abdul Rauf Mahama, would lead Pillar three Youth, encompassing Peace, and Security; and Mr Kelvin Lartey would lead Pillar four, consisting of Economic Empowerment, Livelihood, and Employment.
Mr Yonnah Kodzo Keleku would also be in charge of Pillar 5, entailing Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action, while Mr Nelson Mandela would lead Pillar 6, which focused on Education, Sports, Culture, and Media.
The Network also announced Ms Dorcas Manortey as the new National Coordinator to lead the secretariat operations and support the implementation of AfriYAN Ghana’s strategic agenda.
AfriYAN Ghana, the national chapter of the African regional organisation, served as a platform for adolescent and youth-led organisations to collaborate on population and development priorities through policy advocacy, awareness creation, capacity-building, and strategic partnerships.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
