The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the voices, aspirations and experiences of young Ghanaians are reflected in national policymaking.

The commitment was made at the maiden National Youth Forum which seeks to provide a platform for sustained dialogue between young people and policymakers on issues affecting the youth.

Speaking at the forum, the Ministry said the initiative is a fulfilment of a promise by the sector Minister to establish a national platform where young people could directly engage policymakers on their concerns and aspirations.

The Ministry expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for prioritising the needs of young people through the establishment of a dedicated ministry for youth development and empowerment.

According to the Ministry, young people constitute 38.5 percent of the population, making their participation in national development and policymaking critical.

It said the forum would enable the Ministry to better understand the challenges, aspirations and experiences of young people and incorporate their views into policies and programmes.

The Ministry further emphasised that its mandate goes beyond creating opportunities but also includes developing responsive and competitive young people capable of contributing meaningfully to Ghana's development.

"We would use the views and recommendations emerging from the forum as a basis for shaping policies that respond to the actual needs of young people.”

The maiden National Youth Forum is therefore expected to strengthen engagement between the government and the youth while providing young people with a direct platform to contribute to discussions on their future and national development.