‘Empowered Youth Workers Mean a Prosperous Nation’ – Dr. Joseph Wemakor

Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs (Youth), Dr. Joseph Wemakor, has called for transformative action in Ghana’s youth sector, urging stakeholders to recognize and invest in youth workers as vital agents of peace, democracy, and national development.

“Empowered youth workers mean empowered youth—and empowered youth mean a stable, prosperous nation,” Dr. Wemakor declared during the national dialogue on theme: “Growing the Profession of Youth Work in Ghana”, held in Accra on September 30.

Speaking with urgency and conviction, Dr. Wemakor who is also the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) emphasized that youth work must be viewed not merely as community service or mentorship but as a strategic profession capable of shaping the future of the country.

He argued that youth workers play a critical role in navigating societal challenges—such as unemployment, political polarization, and social exclusion—by fostering civic engagement, promoting human rights, and nurturing leadership among the youth.

“Our commitment must go beyond rhetoric to tangible support, including funding, capacity-building, and inclusive policy design,” he urged.

“Youth workers are the invisible architects of our democracy. It’s time we make their efforts visible and sustainable.”

Dr. Wemakor’s remarks set the tone for a spirited and strategic national conversation organized by the Association of Youth Work Practitioners (AYWP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the National Youth Authority (NYA), and international partners including the Commonwealth Youth Programme and CAYWA.

The dialogue gathered youth workers, government officials, civil society leaders, and development partners to map out the future of youth work in Ghana—a sector many argue has long been undervalued despite its centrality to social transformation.

Co-Chair of Association of Youth Work Practitioners (AYWP), Theodora Anti Williams, passionately called for the urgent professionalization of youth work in Ghana.

“Youth work should not be regarded merely as volunteerism or a side activity but recognized as a specialized profession requiring formal training, ethical standards, and structured career pathways,” she stated.

Williams emphasized that youth workers bridge the gap between young people and policymakers, and must be empowered through enabling policies, funding mechanisms, and accreditation systems.

The dialogue also witnessed the official relaunch of CAYWA Ghana, spearheaded by its National Coordinator, Peter Anum.

He addressed the need for a unified, robust network of youth workers that can advocate for policy reforms, better training, and improved funding.

“We need to speak with one voice, build capacity, and promote the value of youth work as a dynamic profession that contributes directly to national growth and stability,” Anum said.

In a keynote address delivered on behalf of Hon. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, the Deputy CEO of the NYA acknowledged the existing challenges—such as lack of recognition, insufficient training, and poor career prospects.

“Investing in youth work is investing in the future of Ghana,” the Deputy CEO stated. “The government commits to creating enabling environments where youth workers can thrive.”

The event also attracted virtual participation from global youth work leaders. Tanya Merrick Powel, Co-Chair of CAYWA and Technical Director of Jamaica Professional Youth Workers Association, praised Ghana’s leadership in youth development.

“By investing in professional youth work, Ghana is setting a benchmark for other Commonwealth countries,” she noted.

Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, invited Ghanaian youth workers to join the upcoming Global Commonwealth Youth Work Conference in Malaysia, stressing the importance of international collaboration.

The national dialogue concluded with renewed commitment to develop national standards, formal training, and sustainable financing models that will elevate youth work to its rightful place in Ghana’s development framework.