A Concerned Citizen’s Call for Youth-Centred Politics in Northern Ghana
Politics in the Northern Region has increasingly become associated with insults, unnecessary political attacks, neglect and, in some cases, a failure to place the needs of young people at the centre of development.
As a concerned citizen, I believe it is time for us to change the conversation. Politics should not be about who can insult the other person the most, who can mobilise the biggest crowd, or who can destroy the reputation of an opponent. Politics must be about people, development, opportunity and the future of our communities.
The youth constitute a significant part of our population and remain one of the greatest assets of Northern Ghana. Yet many young people continue to struggle with unemployment, limited access to capital, inadequate support for agriculture and businesses, skills gaps and political exclusion.
Some possible measures to address the situation:
1. Put youth employment at the centre of development.
Political leaders must develop practical employment programmes that connect young people to agriculture, construction, technology, manufacturing, tourism and other productive sectors.
2. Invest seriously in young farmers.
Northern Ghana has enormous agricultural potential. Young people should have better access to land, affordable financing, machinery, improved seeds, irrigation, extension services, storage and reliable markets.
3. Establish youth enterprise and startup funds.
Instead of young people depending entirely on politicians for personal assistance, structured and transparent funding programmes should help young entrepreneurs establish sustainable businesses.
4. Reduce political insults and personal attacks.
Political disagreements are normal in a democracy, but insults should not become the language of political engagement. Leaders must teach their supporters to debate ideas, policies and performance rather than attack personalities.
5. Give young people meaningful representation.
Youth participation should go beyond rallies, social-media mobilisation and political campaigns. Young people must be represented in decision-making spaces where policies affecting their future are designed.
6. Make political leaders accountable.
Citizens should demand clear information about development projects, budgets, employment programmes and promises. Political loyalty must never prevent citizens from asking legitimate questions.
7. Reward competence rather than blind loyalty.
Political parties and governments should promote people based on competence, integrity, commitment and ability to deliver—not simply because they are loud supporters or belong to a particular faction.
8. Strengthen skills and vocational training.
Young people need practical skills that can generate income. Greater investment should be made in technical, vocational, digital and entrepreneurial training.
9. Create platforms for constructive youth dialogue.
Political parties, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and local authorities should regularly engage young people to understand their concerns and develop solutions together.
10. Change the political culture.
The youth should reject the idea that politics is simply about fighting for positions. We need a political culture where leadership means service, accountability, development and responsibility.
A Message to Our Leaders
Our young people are not merely political foot soldiers. They are farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, artisans, students, innovators and future leaders.
They deserve more than political promises during election seasons.
They deserve opportunities, dignity, skills, jobs, access to capital and a genuine voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Northern Ghana cannot develop when its politics is dominated by insults, division and political backstabbing. We need politics that inspires, unites and creates opportunities.
Let us move from politics of insults to politics of ideas.
From political attacks to constructive engagement.
From neglect to inclusion.
From promises to measurable results.
The future of Northern Ghana depends greatly on how seriously we take the future of our youth today.
Source: Northwebonline.com/Concerned Citizen
