Invest in Ghana’s youth to secure lasting prosperity – Aseidu Nketia

National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketia, has called for increased investment in Ghana's young people, saying the country's growing youth population represents a significant demographic advantage that can drive long-term national development if properly harnessed.

Marking World Population Day on Saturday, July 11, Aseidu Nketia urged policymakers to prioritize education, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities to unlock the full potential of Ghana's youthful population.

In a Facebook post, he argued that Ghana's greatest resource is not its mineral wealth but its people.

"This #WorldPopulationDay, one truth stands out: Ghana's greatest natural resource is not beneath our soil; it is our people," he wrote.

Referring to Ghana's projected population of 34.4 million in 2026, including approximately 12.6 million people aged between 15 and 35, the NDC Chairman said the country's youthful population should be viewed as a major competitive advantage.

According to him, young people possess the creativity, innovation and energy needed to accelerate Ghana's economic transformation.

"With a projected population of 34.4 million in 2026 and 12.6 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35, Ghana possesses one of Africa's greatest demographic advantages," he stated.

Aseidu Nketia rejected the notion that a large youth population should be viewed as a burden, insisting that young people are central to Ghana's future growth.

He described Ghanaian youth as innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, engineers, farmers, creators and future leaders capable of transforming the country's economy.

"Our youth are innovators, entrepreneurs, farmers, creators, engineers, teachers, and future leaders. They are not a challenge to manage; they are Ghana's competitive advantage," he said.

The veteran politician argued that Ghana's future prosperity will largely depend on the level of investment made in developing the skills and talents of young people.

He called for greater focus on improving access to quality education, digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, decent employment opportunities and leadership development programmes.

"The real question is not whether we have enough young people. It is whether we are investing enough in their education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, decent jobs, and leadership opportunities," he noted.

According to him, empowering young people with the right opportunities would strengthen the country's economy while promoting sustainable national development.

Aseidu Nketia concluded that sustained investment in Ghana's youth would produce lasting economic and social benefits for future generations.

"A nation that invests in its youth invests in lasting prosperity," he stated.

His remarks coincide with this year's observance of World Population Day, which highlights the importance of population dynamics and investments in people as critical drivers of sustainable development.