Youth Advocate urges leaders to create opportunities instead of campaign handouts
Advocate calls for sustainable job creation over short-term political incentives
A youth advocate in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Norbert Alinyia, has called on political leaders to focus on building systems that empower young people to become self-reliant and economically independent rather than offering them money and handouts during election campaigns.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, June 6, Alinyia expressed concern that despite young people constituting nearly half of Ghana’s population and possessing the energy, creativity, and innovation needed to drive national development, existing systems continue to hinder their progress.
“Almost fifty percent of the population is made up of young people, and we know what they possess, energy and innovation. Yet the systems are not designed to help them succeed and become independent, making them vulnerable to manipulation,” he said.
According to him, limited employment opportunities and an unfavourable business environment leave many young people susceptible to political influence, particularly during election periods.
He observed that politicians often intensify their engagement with young people as elections approach, offering financial incentives to secure support.
“When election season approaches, politicians come out to mobilise people with money in their pockets. Because many young people lack employment opportunities and operate in an environment that does not support business growth and independence, they are tempted to accept these offers, knowing that once the elections are over, they are often forgotten,” he stated.
Alinyia, however, stressed that such short-term gains should not be mistaken for genuine empowerment.
He argued that political leaders are elected to serve the public and should focus on creating opportunities that enable qualified and skilled citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“We do not want politicians to come and distribute money to people. We want systems that work, employment opportunities, and decent working conditions so that young people will not feel compelled to leave the country in search of better prospects,” he said.
Alinyia lamented that many young people dedicate their time, energy, and skills to political campaigns, and in some cases risk their lives, only to be abandoned after elections.
“They come to you when they need your vote, your energy, your time, and your knowledge. Some people even lose their lives in the process. Yet after achieving their political goals, they disappear and forget about the very people who helped them. That is not empowerment; it is exploitation,” he asserted.
He urged young people to remain vigilant and demand long-term policies and opportunities that will improve their lives rather than settling for temporary incentives during political campaigns.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
