The National Youth Authority (NYA) has partnered with the International Youth Empowerment Summit 2026 (iYES 2026) to motivate young Ghanaians to think beyond their generation and create a lasting impact.
The four-day summit, held from 10 to 13 March 2026 at the UPSA Auditorium, is themed “Transgenerational Impact.”
Addressing participants, the Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, Osman Ayariga, encouraged young people to adopt a mindset focused on long-term transformation and legacy.
Speaking on economic empowerment, he noted that President John Dramani Mahama established the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to create programmes and opportunities that improve the livelihoods of Ghanaian youth.
He highlighted several initiatives aimed at supporting youth development, including the Adwumawura Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the One Million Coders Initiative.
These programmes seek to equip young people with practical skills, support start-ups, and expand opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Mr Ayariga further urged the youth to plan their futures carefully, emphasising that meaningful impact takes time.
He advised young people to move beyond merely seeking employment and instead focus on building healthy lifestyles and avoiding drug abuse, cautioning, “Let’s stop red before red stops us.”
Touching on recent campus clashes across the country, Mr Ayariga expressed concern about rising violence in inter-school sporting events.
He called on students to channel their energy into constructive dialogue and debates that promote national development.
Mr Ayariga also announced plans to establish school clubs nationwide to promote peace and security, noting, “Nothing is worth fighting for if it’s not fighting against poverty.”
The summit, organised by Brian Amoateng, founder of iYES, in partnership with the NYA, has become one of Ghana’s most influential youth development platforms, providing mentorship, practical knowledge, and inspiration to thousands of young people.
The event brings together leaders from governance, business, entrepreneurship, ministries, and the creative industries to equip the next generation with the skills and vision to make meaningful contributions to society.