Let us move away from isolated efforts to an integrated framework of youth-driven development” – NYA Deputy CEO to the Youth

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Jacob Atule Adongo, has urged young people to shift from isolated initiatives to a more integrated, youth-driven development framework to secure a better future for themselves. He made this call at the African Youth Philanthropy Network (AYPN) West Africa Connect and Diaspora Community Gathering, held at the CESPSI Hub, Alex Nerda, PIWC, Teshie-Nungua. The event was themed “Reimagining Philanthropy: Domestic Resource Mobilization as a Catalyst for Youth-driven Transformation in West Africa.”

Addressing participants, Mr. Adongo highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Youth Philanthropy Accelerator and the Africa Youth Philanthropy Awards. According to him, these initiatives are “critical ecosystems” that shift the narrative from charity to strategic, youth-led transformation. He commended AYPN for consistently identifying, training, and funding young change makers, demonstrating that the most impactful solutions are those that emerge from within communities.

Mr. Adongo further emphasized that the discussions held at the gathering align strongly with the mandate of the National Youth Authority, to nurture the potential of young people and support them with the appropriate resources, guided by the National Youth Policy and the Ghana Youth Charter. He called on development partners, corporate bodies, and philanthropic organizations to consider the NYA as a strategic implementation partner in advancing youth development initiatives.

The Project Director for AYPN West Africa, Ms. Rachael Awinsu Alabilla, explained that the purpose of the program is to bring together young philanthropists in Ghana, offering them a platform to amplify their projects and build capacity in their various initiatives. She noted that the annual event convenes diverse stakeholders to support youth led efforts and foster growth within the philanthropy ecosystem.