Today’s announcement of the new Cabinet has been met with significant disappointment by stakeholders in the youth development sector.

The absence of a dedicated Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment in the Cabinet represents a notable gap in our national governance structure—one that poses serious concerns for the future of Ghana’s youth development ecosystem.

The youth form the backbone of our nation’s progress, innovation, and economic potential. As evidenced by recent electoral outcomes, where youth-centered campaigns played a critical role in the massive victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the expectation for dedicated, youth-focused policies is not only justified but essential. The current Cabinet formation, however, fails to reflect this mandate.

The exclusion of the youth ministry from cabinet risks undermining the targeted support and strategic interventions needed to empower our young citizens.

This oversight could diminish coordination in implementing youth development initiatives, reduce the visibility and opportunities for the ministry and its agencies to make an impact and secure funding from development partners, and ultimately hinder the nation’s long-term socioeconomic growth.

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment is expected to serve as the technical focal point for addressing the challenges faced by the youth and ensuring that policies designed to nurture them are robust and effectively executed. Therefore, it must be part of the cabinet.

I, call on the President and the Government to re-examine the Cabinet’s composition. We urge a swift reconsideration to include the ministry of youth that will provide the necessary leadership for our youth—whose energy, creativity, and potential are critical to Ghana’s development.