In a landmark event held on 15th October 2024, the Nabdam District Assembly in the Upper East Region witnessed the inauguration of its first Youth Parliament, an initiative under the National Youth Authority with funds from the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project.
The Youth Parliament, part of SOCO’s Youth Engagement and Social Cohesion Component under Component 1, Investing in Community Resiliency and Inclusion, aims to empower young people by providing them with a platform to actively participate in governance and local decision-making processes. This initiative promotes unity, meaningful dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution, especially in areas prone to social challenges.
Speaking at the inauguration, Elizabeth Ohenewaa Agyei (SOCO Project Coordinator) highlighted the importance of involving young people in shaping resilient and inclusive communities. “This Youth Parliament is more than a platform for dialogue; it is a foundation for building the future. Through it, we hope to empower you to engage with your leaders and bring about positive change,” she remarked. The coordinator further urged the youth to pursue peaceful methods in addressing grievances, emphasizing SOCO’s commitment to fostering sustainable peace and cohesion within communities.
Hon. Agnes Anamoo (DCE, Nabdam District Assembly) lauded the initiative, emphasizing the critical role youth engagement plays in sustainable development. She expressed confidence that the platform would nurture future leaders and inspire responsible civic participation, essential for long-term community growth.
Youth Parliament initiative aligns with SOCO’s overarching mission to “Invest in Community Resiliency and Inclusion.” It provides a structured avenue for young people to discuss issues affecting their communities, propose solutions, and collaborate with local authorities to address them. This inclusive approach helps bridge gaps between youth and leadership, fostering trust and reducing tensions across communities. Through similar initiatives across project districts, SOCO aims to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and that they play active roles in the development of their communities.
The event ended with a call to action, urging the youth to see themselves as leaders of today and tomorrow. They were encouraged to embrace their roles as peace ambassadors and contribute meaningfully to the growth and stability of the Nabdam District and the Upper East Region.
