The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, has announced a series of activities for National Youth Month, urging young Ghanaians to participate in shaping policy, governance, and a drug-free future.

Speaking after an engagement with the National Chief Imam, Mr Ayariga said the month will focus on empowerment, discipline, and responsible citizenship.

The NYA delegation met the National Chief Imam to seek prayers for His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and for his flagship pro-youth initiatives including the One Million Coders Program, National Apprenticeship Program, and the Edumara Program.

The Chief Imam, he said, advised the youth to stay away from substance abuse and all forms of abuse that hinder personal and national progress.

Mr. Ayariga outlined major events for the month as follows:

1. National Youth Conference10th to 30th August at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST.

This is a platform for young people across the country to deliberate and help shape youth policy and governance.

2. National Youth Parliament to be held in Accra. 

This is intended to bring together young parliamentarians from the length and breadth of the country to debate national issues.

3. A dialogue between elders and the younger generation on how to participate meaningfully in national development.

4. Red Band Stop Campaign 30th August at Independence Square.

This is also a nationwide campaign against substance abuse, especially drug abuse, to promote responsible citizenship.

“We want to make sure we have very responsible citizens,” Mr. Ayariga said.

Responding to questions on the relevance of these activities, the NYA CEO said last year’s youth conference directly influenced policies that have positively impacted young people.

“From last year's programs and the interaction we had from the youth conference, we were able to further shape youth policies that were able to affect us positively,” he stated.

He invited all youth to take part in the activities throughout the month.