Seidu Mahama Alidu, the head of political science at the University of Ghana, has emphasised the critical role of youth participation in sustaining our nation’s democracy.
Speaking at a youth forum organised by the Centre for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS Africa) at Wisconsin University College in Accra, Seidu said democracy cannot thrive without continuous youth participation.
“When we participate, we create an inclusion policy for the youth because we pride ourselves on participation.”
“It also leads to an increase in civic education and youth awareness. It builds political stability and consensus, increases accountability; it generates new ideas and it develops new leadership. So, the dividends of participation include building a long-term goal that is sustainability,” he said.
Seidu also outlined strategies for fostering youth participation, emphasising the need to evaluate existing participation infrastructure and provide systematic support for those wishing to engage in policymaking.
He stated, “We all know that democracy is not structured; it is continuously an evolving enterprise of government. So direct participation in the policy-making process will begin by evaluating or accessing the participation infrastructure we know we have in the country and seeing how we can build on that existing infrastructure and, if it is still not enough, how we can make new ones.”
“There are three basic ways we can do this: by empowering and activating existing leaders and networks that can guarantee sustained growth, assembling participation building blocks and providing systematic support for those who wish to participate.”
About CDS Africa
The Africa Centre for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa) is a think tank that recognises the importance of democracy in Africa’s growth and development.
We believe democracy is the key to building a fair, peaceful, and inclusive society. Therefore, our work is centred around promoting democracy, civic education and dialogue, policy research, and advocacy.
We aim to generate innovative research to influence policy reforms and create an environment supporting socioeconomic and political development. Join us in our mission to build a better future for all Africans.
Reporting by Elizabeth Akyemaa Yeboah in Accra
Asaase Radio 99.5 broadcasts on radio via 99.5 in Accra, 98.5 in Kumasi, 99.7 in Tamale, 100.3 in Cape Coast and on our affiliates Azay FM 89.1 in Takoradi, Bead FM 99.9 in Bimbilla, Mining City 89.5 in Tarkwa, Sissala Radio 96.3 in Tumu, Somuaa FM 89.9 in Gushegu, Stone City 90.7 in Ho and Wale FM 106.9 in Walewale
Tune in to broadcasts online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
Live streaming on facebook.com/asaase99.5. Also on YouTube: AsaaseXtra.
Join the conversation. Call: 020 000 9951 or 059 415 7777. Or WhatsApp: 020 000 0995.
#AsaaseRadio
#TheVoiceofOurLand
#WeAreHere
#WeLoveOurLand
