Reflections on the Community-Based Civic Engagement Training: Empowering Youth Participation in Governance
On September 12, 2024, the Mother of All Nations Foundation (MOANF), in partnership with the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana under the I Am Aware project, hosted a community-based civic engagement training at the Bethel Heights Hotel. The event aimed to mobilize young people to play a more active role in local governance and political accountability. In his opening address, the Executive Director of MOANF set a powerful tone, urging the youth to recognize their potentials to shape Ghana’s future one community at a time.
A Call to Action: Youth as the Backbone of Governance
With Ghana’s youth comprising over 38% of the population, the Executive Director highlighted their untapped potential. He lamented the low voter turnout among young people and emphasized the importance of their participation not only in elections but also in ongoing governance.
“When we decide to engage, we have the power to shape policies, hold leaders accountable, and demand the change we want to see,” he stated, emphasizing that active participation could reshape the political landscape. His words served as a reminder that governance is not solely the domain of politicians—it requires the vigilance and active involvement of the very people it seeks to serve, especially the youth.
The Digital Age: Social Media as a Megaphone for Change
The Executive Director discussed the immense potential of social media as a tool for amplifying governance issues. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, he explained, offer the youth the opportunity to raise concerns, spark conversations, and bring national attention to local governance issues. A single post or tweet could catalyze discussions that lead to concrete change.
“Social media is our megaphone,” he affirmed. He encouraged the youth to use these platforms to demand better infrastructure, improved education, food security, and access to essential services, while also acknowledging that online activism needs to be coupled with deeper engagement in governance processes.”
Understanding Local Governance: The Key to Grassroots Impact
Beyond social media advocacy, the Executive Director called on the youth to develop a deeper understanding of local governance structures and policy-making processes. He explained that local governance offers the most immediate opportunity for impact and that effective civic engagement at this level could lead to significant community development.
“Change doesn’t always need to start at the top. It starts right where we are, in our communities, and with you,” he remarked. By participating in local assemblies and pushing for the needs of their communities, young people can directly influence policies and ensure accountability at the grassroots level”
A Shared Responsibility: The Present is Now
The Executive Director concluded his address by reminding participants that the future of Ghana depends on the decisions and actions of today. He urged the youth to embrace their roles as active participants in governance, stressing that they are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the present drivers of change.
“Let’s use the tools at our disposal, the strength of our numbers, and the power of our voice to demand the governance we deserve and the development our communities need,” he declared.”
As the event progressed, it became clear that this gathering was not just another training but a transformative moment. The youth in attendance left inspired and better equipped to take on the mantle of civic responsibility, knowing that their voices could indeed shape the trajectory of their communities and nation.
Through this training and similar initiatives, MOANF and CDD Ghana continue to nurture a new generation of civic-minded leaders who are ready to make a difference.
