Youth activist urges policy-driven national conversation 

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Briphildon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Bright Philip Donkor, has highlighted the urgent need for Ghana’s national discourse to pivot from sensational distractions towards substantive policy discussions.

This call for change comes in response to the growing trend of focusing on personal attacks and unfounded accusations in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, which have overshadowed critical discussions about the country’s future.

In a statement released on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Bright Philip Donkor, who is also a youth activist, warned that this shift in focus is not a mere distraction but a substantial threat to the nation's progress.

"Our nation’s focus has unfortunately strayed from meaningful discussions about our future. Instead, we are becoming preoccupied with trivial matters such as personal attacks and baseless accusations. This isn't just a minor distraction; it's a serious threat to our national progress," he stressed.

Policy-driven focus

The youth activist noted that it was essential for Ghana to recalibrate its national discourse and prioritise discussions on policies and initiatives that genuinely drive development. He stressed that the future of the youth, who are integral to the nation's progress, depends heavily on the policies adopted by the incoming government.

He criticised the ongoing fixation on personal character flaws in line with accusations of 'alcoholism or dishonesty,' noting that while such topics might generate headlines and social media buzz, they contribute little to solving the substantive issues facing the nation.

"Such discussions create a toxic environment that fosters division and undermines the collective effort needed for national development. As we approach a new chapter in our political landscape, it is essential to shift our focus towards policies that will shape our nation’s future. We must advocate for policies that have a profound impact on the lives of Ghanaians, particularly the youth, who are not just the future leaders but the present," he explained.

Youth potential

Highlighting the potential of Ghanaian youth, the youth activist cited data from the United Nations and African Union, which projects that African youth will constitute 42% of the global youth population by 2030. Additionally, he indicated that data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reveals that 38% of Ghana’s population falls within the 15-35 age bracket. These statistics underscore the critical role of the youth in shaping the country’s future.

"From my experience, Ghanaian youth are the country’s greatest resource. I see how critical they are to the future of Ghana, with increasing participation across sectors—from politics to agriculture and technology. They are leading the change they want to see, and I am confident that in the coming years, Ghanaian youth will significantly contribute to the growth of both the country and the continent," he stated.

This, according to him, constitutes the need to engage in meaningful discussions about strategies to boost economic development, create jobs, and ensure sustainable growth. "This includes focusing on infrastructure development, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and fostering a conducive environment for foreign investment," he noted.

Economic stability

He believes that the future prosperity of this country requires faster economic growth that creates jobs and a sustainable fiscal plan that will curb the rising public debt and stabilize it over the medium term. "Such an approach will lead to accelerated socio-economic improvement and development, rather than politically centered policies."

"Thomas Jefferson once said, 'A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities,'" he quoted.

The youth activist further emphasised the need for more improvements in education. He called for a focus on enhancing educational standards, teacher training, and ensuring equitable access to quality education. "Our educational system must be equipped to prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world," he stated.

He also addressed broader social issues, advocating policies that promote healthcare, poverty alleviation, and social justice. He called for a national dialogue centered on social equity and improving the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

Peaceful elections

With just 96 days until the December polls, the statement cautioned against the risks posed by political polarization and misinformation. He urged citizens to embrace Shakespeare’s sentiment that “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” stressing the importance of playing a constructive role in ensuring peaceful elections.

"Peace is paramount. Ghana is all we have, and as citizens, we must do everything in our power to preserve the peace of this country. Despite the challenges, we can conduct our elections with the peace and dignity that Ghana is known for," he added.

"At this crucial juncture, it is essential that we come together as a nation to champion policies and initiatives that promote genuine progress. We must hold our leaders accountable, not for their personal failings, but for their commitment to implementing transformative policies that address the needs of our people and the challenges we face," he reiterated.

He urged that Ghana’s future be shaped by progress, not distractions, and encouraged collective efforts towards sustainable development and national unity.