Volunteers Corps to deploy 100,000 to support Ghana’s devt

The Global Volunteers Corps (GVC), an international organisation committed to fostering development through volunteerism, has announced plans to deploy over 100,000 youth volunteers to work in five critical sectors to support the country’s development goals.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the President of GVC, Stephen Kwaku Darku, said the volunteers would work with organisations in agriculture, education, health care, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

He said currently, the organisation was in the process of securing funds to recruit motivated and passionate young individuals to contribute to the nation’s progress.

Mr Darku said the organisation’s initiatives aligned with President Mahama’s development agenda, promising a collaborative approach to nation-building that emphasised inclusivity, sustainability and shared growth.

Multi-sectoral approach

Outlining the organisation’s multi-sectoral approach, Mr Darku stressed the need to strengthen key economic areas to achieve sustainable development.

In the agricultural sector, GVC volunteers would work alongside farmers to enhance food production, introduce sustainable farming practices and reduce post-harvest losses.

“These efforts aim to improve rural livelihoods and ensure food security nationwide,” he explained.

To address challenges in the education sector, GVC would focus on reducing teacher shortages, promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and providing vocational training, saying, the effort would empower Ghanaian youth to compete in the global economy.

For the health sector, he said the GVC volunteers would collaborate with local healthcare institutions to deliver medical services, support maternal and child health programmes and promote public health education in underserved communities, emphasising how a healthy population was critical for national productivity.

Infrastructure, youth empowerment

Volunteers with expertise in construction and engineering will assist in building essential infrastructure such as schools, clinics and roads. 

Mr Darku said those projects would spur economic growth and foster community development.

Recognising the potential of Ghana's youth, he said, GVC would focus on skills development, entrepreneurship training and mentorship programmes.

“Our aim is to nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators,” he added.

Call for collaboration

Mr Darku urged stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector and civil society, to partner GVC in implementing the initiatives.

He also called on Ghanaians to embrace a culture of active citizenship and volunteerism to support the government’s development agenda.

“Volunteerism and active citizenship are powerful tools for nation-building. Together, we can achieve the vision of a prosperous Ghana,” he concluded.

Giving a background of the organisation, Mr Darku said the GVC project was to drive sustainable growth by combining the energy and expertise of volunteers with strategic partnerships, contributing significantly to Ghana’s long-term development goals.

Reaffirmation

The President of GVC reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to the people of Ghana, expressing optimism about the country’s potential under its new leadership.

He cited former US President John F. Kennedy’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” and urged Ghanaians to rally behind the new administration's vision for a prosperous nation.

“This is a clarion call for every citizen to embrace volunteerism as a means of contributing to Ghana’s progress. By playing our roles with dedication and unity, we can achieve the transformative vision of a prosperous Ghana,” the GVC President stated.