Youth inclusion key to SDGs success – Felix Nketiah
Youth leader Felix Premang Nketiah has stressed that young people must be central to efforts aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), warning that excluding them would undermine progress.
In Ghana, youth-led organisations and initiatives have played a pivotal role in advancing development causes, ranging from environmental conservation and education campaigns to social entrepreneurship and community health projects.
As the world marked International Youth Day yesterday, 12 August, under the theme Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, the conversation about youth involvement in governance and sustainable development took centre stage.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast Show on Zed 101.9FM, Mr Nketiah said young people across Ghana have already made significant contributions to development.
“We cannot exclude youth when it comes to the SDGs because without youth, it will not be possible to achieve these things,” he noted.
Mr Nketiah noted that many youth-led initiatives operate in isolation, avoiding engagement with local government due to perceptions of bureaucracy and inefficiency.
He emphasised that involving local authorities is essential for sustainable impact.
“If it’s just communicating to the community members you want to help, involving local structures makes the process smoother and can help people accept the change you are bringing,” Mr Nketiah stated.
He called on young leaders to see local government as an ally rather than a hurdle, adding that collaboration can amplify their impact and ensure their projects align with community needs.
