Member of Parliament for Afadzato South, Hon. Frank Afriye has called on government and development partners to prioritize investment in young people, saying Ghana’s future prosperity and stability rests “squarely on the shoulders of the youth.”
Commenting on a statement in Parliament to mark World Population Day, the Afadzato South legislator said the day should remind leaders that “people are the foundation of sustainable development.”
He noted that global demographic challenges such as gender inequality, maternal and child mortality, overpopulation, and unemployment must be addressed with urgency.
The MP cited youth unemployment as one of Ghana’s biggest threats, putting the rate at 32% and warning it was “almost turning into a national security crisis.”
He however commended the current government for rolling out programs nationwide aimed at creating opportunities and enhancing youth talent to compete globally.
On health, he praised government initiatives including the Free Medical Care and Free Primary Care programmes, also referred to as “Mahama Care.”
He said the policies were a major boost for women and children in deprived and marginalized constituencies who previously struggled to access quality healthcare.
He also highlighted the allocation through the District Assemblies Common Fund for the construction of a minimum of two CHPS compounds in every district.
“When you do the mathematics, it clearly shows that in the next couple of years we will be building about 500 plus of these CHPS compounds,” he said, adding they will help reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
The Afadzato South MP further stressed the need to strengthen innovation, research and technology in higher institutions so that academic work reflects the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians.
“Our institutions of higher learning must tailor research to reflect the need of the people,” he urged.
He concluded by associating himself with proposals made in the original statement and thanked the maker for raising issues critical to Ghana’s demographic future.
He called for sustained commitment to policies that protect pregnant women, support children, and empower the youth.
By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
