In a bid to raise young national front-runners to impact and change the fortunes of the Ghanaian society, the Ghana Center for Democrtatic Development (CDD-Ghana) has launched the maiden Democracy and Governance (D&G) Boot Camp.

The week long training seeks to empower and motivate selected Junior and Senior High School students form each region to maximize resources, feed their passions in democracy and governance, challenge ideas, as well as demonstrate leadership skills amongst fellow campers and wherever they may find themselves.

As part of the activities lined up, the 45 participants will tour the Parliament of Ghana, Jubilee House, Judiciary aside having one-on-one interactions with policy makers. There will also be community outreach at three selected locations including the Tema Harbor where the students will be tested to observe challenges within the set up and provide solutions as a group.

Speaking at the open ceremony, Deputy Director & Director of Programs, CDD-Ghana, Dr. Franklin Oduro said the D&G boot camp falls in line with CDD’s commemorative activities outlined to tap into an under engaged demographic by stirring up the interest of participants in governance and democracy related principles in addition to leadership building.



In an interview with www.ghanaweb.com, he explained that CDD, as a think-tank, sees the need to invest early in young people to help mold identities; who they are and what they believe in- politically and socially.

“The investment should take the form of inculcating democratic principles, building ethical values and leadership skills to equip you with the tools to influence society positively and contribute to transforming Ghana and Africa.” Dr Oduro averred.

To him, this will mold leaders who value integrity, hard work, empathy, and exhibit ethical leadership.



Principal of SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College, Titi Ofei, on his part, stressed on the need for students to be able to express themselves and strive to get better. According to him, schools should allow young people to be opinionated without being shut down since it allows them to conceive thoughts that will enrich democratic culture.

In his words, “Speak your mind. Be active. For me, that’s the beginning of empowerment.”