A youth empowerment forum in the Ledzokuku constituency has seen hundreds of young people receive vocational tools and renewed encouragement to pursue productive futures, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle unemployment in Ghana.

Addressing participants at the event, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ledzokuku Constituency, Benjamin Ayiku Narteh, emphasised the critical role young people play not only in the future of the country but in its present development.

“The youth are not only the future — they are also the pillars, the energy, and the force for development today and tomorrow,” he stated.

The forum, organised jointly by the municipal assembly and the MP, forms part of a broader national agenda aligned with the president’s vision to create an enabling environment for young people and reduce unemployment across the country. Collaboration with key institutions, including the Youth Employment Agency, was highlighted as central to expanding opportunities for skills development and job creation.

During the event, beneficiaries received a range of tools to support vocational work, including industrial sewing machines and firefighting equipment. The initiative is aimed at equipping young people with practical resources to help them become self-reliant and economically productive.

Narteh acknowledged the challenges facing many young people, noting that limited opportunities and uncertainty can sometimes be discouraging. However, he urged them to remain resilient and hopeful.

“There are times when the future may look uncertain, but a better Ghana lies ahead. With unity, discipline, and the right opportunities, the youth can turn their dreams into success,” he said.

He also cautioned against the misuse of social media, encouraging responsible communication and respectful engagement online. According to him, the digital space should be used to promote unity, constructive dialogue, and positive societal values.

“As we engage online, let us remember that what we say and do becomes a seed we plant for our own future,” he added.

Reaffirming his commitment, the MP assured constituents that efforts would continue to empower young people through partnerships with stakeholders and targeted development programs.

In a related development, Hon. Narteh addressed growing concerns over theft and mobile phone snatching incidents in Teshie and its surrounding communities, which have begun to affect movement and commercial activities in the area.

Speaking in an interview, he expressed concern that the situation has created fear among residents and negatively impacted ride-hailing services, with some drivers reportedly declining trip requests to the enclave.

The MP, however, expressed optimism about resolving the issue, outlining measures being implemented to improve security. Chief among them is the installation of additional street lighting across affected areas to deter criminal activity by eliminating dark spots often exploited by perpetrators.

He further disclosed that the Municipal Assembly has engaged security agencies to intensify night patrols, aimed at discouraging criminal behavior and restoring public confidence.

Narteh stressed that the situation does not reflect the character of the people of Ledzokuku and vowed to clamp down on those responsible for the acts.

He noted that some of the individuals involved may not even be residents of the constituency but have contributed to damaging its reputation.

“We will not allow a few individuals to tarnish the image of this constituency. We are committed to working with security agencies to ensure that those behind these acts are brought to book,” he assured.

The MP called on residents to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and cooperating with authorities to help restore safety and normalcy in the area.