NYA kickstarts youth festival with Islamic dialogue

The National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, has commenced the 2025 National Youth Festival with an Islamic dialogue among the Youth.

The event provided a platform for open discussion on how to encourage Islamic youth to embrace their faith and contribute to social restoration as a means to make meaningful contributions to national development.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga Esq. outlined key activities scheduled for this year’s National Youth Festival, which runs from 1st to 30th August. The lineup includes:

• Youth Dialogue with Religious Leaders
• Nationwide Clean-Up Exercise
• National Youth Conference
• Health Walk Against Substance Abuse
• Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
• Conference on Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability
• National Youth Carnival (Grand Finale)

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, emphasized that the entire month of August has been dedicated to celebrating the Ghanaian youth and inspiring them to contribute to national development.

He highlighted key government initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Program, One Million Coders, and the Adwumawura Program, all launched under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, which aim to equip young Ghanaians with digital skills, practical job training, and entrepreneurial support.

Hon. Opare Addo also appealed to Islamic leaders to support the ongoing fight against drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable youth in disadvantaged communities. He called on Islamic institutions to use their platforms to educate young people about the consequences of substance abuse. Additionally, he urged the Islamic leadership to lend their support to the Ministry and the NYA in promoting the “Red Means Stop" road safety campaign.

Representing the National Chief Imam, the Personal Assistant to the Chief Imam, Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakar, echoed the importance of youth in national development. Citing UN statistics, he noted that young people form a significant part of Ghana’s population and thus play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.

Dr. Abubakar identified major challenges facing the youth, including indiscipline and the growing issue of single-parent households. He encouraged all citizens, especially the youth, to take advantage of Free Senior High School education and to reject drug abuse, violence, and other vices, instead promoting peace and personal development.

He concluded with a firm assurance of the Islamic leadership’s commitment to partnering with national stakeholders in the effort to eradicate drug abuse and promote holistic youth empowerment in Ghana.