YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN GHANA

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN GHANA.

The basic approach towards youth development in Ghana has been through economic development. This strategy is premised on the idea that, rapid economic development would foster positive modern behavior and values in our young people thereby making them productive and disciplined citizens. However, the economic policy and institutional framework for improving the quality of life of young people have failed and public confidence in the ability of the government to find solutions to the problems facing our youth have diminished. For example, the Program of Action to Mitigate the Social Cost of Adjustment (PAMSCAD) introduced by the PNDC government was abandoned because it failed to address the needs of our youth.

The high unemployment rate among our youth and lack of social support system for them continues to put immense pressure on the government to compensate for failures of the economy through direct job creation strategies and other supports, but the magnitude of youth problems are such that they dwarf the resources available to resolve them. For example, the current government seems to be struggling with what to do with the thousands of registered unemployed youth in the country.

Moreover, the idea that economic development would minimize youth problems discounts the fundamental principle of utilitarianism inherent in free market economic model. The basic belief that individuals are the same, independent and free to pursue their economic, political and social happiness outside the influence of the larger society is incongruent with Ghanaian culture and values. Ghanaian cultures promote interdependency and differences. For example, we are tied to our extended families, and communities. We support our nephews, nieces, brothers and sisters in schools and old parents and grandparents etc. we define ourselves according to our religious beliefs, political affiliations, language, tribe and geography.

Additionally, our culture of interdependency has established code of conducts that regulates the relationship between adults and young people. For example, there are unwritten rules about the behavior limits of young people in the community, what constitutes a normative behavior, roles and expectations of different age groups. Again, the saying “ it takes a village to raise a child” suggest that there is a communal responsibility bestowed to adults to promote the welfare of young people in our society.

Thus, the narrow focus of economic development with its core principle of utilitarianism that promotes atomistic society in an isolated marketplace in pursuit of individual happiness alienates our youth and the most vulnerable members of our society who do not possess the resources they need to pursue their interest. Consumerism, individualism and harsh economic conditions have compelled our youth to prematurely fend for themselves. As disconnected members of society, our young people have become rebellious and conditioned by their circumstances; they tend to engage in deviant activities such as armed robberies, drugs, alcoholism, violence and prostitution

It is now crucial to recognize that our youth are social beings, who want to be connected to their communities, connected to caring adults, be supported, accepted and nurtured. In view of this, it is imperative we design comprehensive youth development programs to compensate for the break down of our social and economic structures to meet the needs of our youth.

@generationalthinkersgh