On the occasion of World Population Day, several  Members of Parliament have issued a strong call for the government to implement targeted, youth-centred policies that will harness the potential of the country's growing young population.

Miss Dorcas Affo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, emphasised the urgent need for practical actions to empower Ghana’s youth, noting that 57% of the population is under the age of 25.

She stressed that with the right investments and opportunities, this demographic can become a powerful driver of economic growth and national development.

“We must empower our youth to create stable families and thrive in a hopeful and equitable society,” Affo-Toffey said.

“Job creation is essential—not only to prevent wasted potential but also to lay the foundation for happy and resilient communities.”

The Jomoro MP, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reiterated her long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and rural development.

She called for special attention to be given to underserved areas where unemployment remains high.

In a related message, Mr Emmanuel Kofi Ntekuni, NDC MP for Pru West, echoed the need for comprehensive planning to accommodate Ghana’s expanding population.

With global population estimates projecting 8.2 billion people by the end of 2025 and 9.9 billion by 2050, he stressed the importance of forward-thinking policies that address both current and future needs.

“The youth must be central to all development planning,” Ntekuni stated. “We must ensure that provisions are made not only for today’s population but also for future generations.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader Miss Patricia Appiagyei also marked the day with a powerful message on the significance of investing in Ghana’s youth.

She pointed out that over 60% of the country’s citizens are under 35, describing this youthful population as both a challenge and an opportunity.

“On World Population Day, we are reminded that inclusion, access to quality education, healthcare, jobs, and civic participation are critical for unlocking the full potential of our youth,” Appiagyei said.

She further emphasised the importance of reproductive health education and services, arguing that such investments are key to harnessing the demographic dividend and ensuring national prosperity.