President John Dramani Mahama has issued a powerful challenge to the young appointees in his administration: prove that youth deserve a seat at the leadership table. Speaking at the launch of the African Political Parties Network (APPI) in Accra last Friday, Mahama emphasized that their appointments as ministers and chief executives of state-owned enterprises would test how prepared young people are to assume leadership roles.
“The future of Africa belongs to its youth,” President Mahama declared, noting that his administration has assembled what he considers the youngest government in Ghana’s history. These appointees, he stressed, must serve as exemplary representatives of their generation.
Youth Performance Will Shape Future Opportunities
The President highlighted that the performance of these young officials would significantly impact opportunities for youth inclusion in future administrations. With an impressive 60 percent of Africa’s population under 25 years of age, Mahama insisted that excluding young people from decision-making positions is no longer an option.
“The future of Africa will be determined by how the youth are engaged in governance and decision-making,” he affirmed.
Beyond Electoral Victories: Building Sustainable Governance
President Mahama critiqued the current state of governance across the continent, noting that despite growing political consciousness, governance structures remain weak. He pointed out that political parties often prioritize short-term electoral success over developing long-term visions.
The President emphasized that political parties must evolve beyond merely seeking electoral victories and instead focus on building sustainable systems that prioritize effective governance.