In a powerful collaboration aimed at reshaping the future, the National Youth Authority (NYA) has teamed up with the International Youth Empowerment Summit 2026 (iYES 2026) to inspire young Ghanaians to dream bigger than their own lifetimes. Hosted under the compelling theme “Transgenerational Impact,” the summit organized by the iYES Foundation in partnership with the NYA—drew hundreds of eager participants to a vibrant gathering filled with motivational talks, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. The event underscored a urgent call: for today’s youth to pioneer ideas, skills, and actions that echo through generations.
Addressing the captivated audience, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Yourth Authority ,Osman Abdulai Ayariga, posed three profound questions designed to spark introspection. “What if the idea simmering in your mind right now becomes the solution that transforms millions of lives tomorrow?” he challenged. He urged them to imagine their nascent concepts whether a groundbreaking business venture, a community initiative, or a simple innovation evolving into forces that uplift not just their peers, but entire future generations. “What if the skill you possess is exactly what the world desperately needs?” he continued, painting pictures of untapped talents waiting to solve global challenges. Finally, “What if the courage you carry is the very spark the world requires?” Ayariga emphasized that true power lies not in titles, but in bold action.
Ayariga drew from history and culture to illustrate his point, reminding attendees that world-changers come in all forms. “We’ve seen politicians and leaders reshape nations, but transformation isn’t reserved for them alone,” he said. He highlighted icons like Bob Marley, and local legends like Cece Winans, whose musical legacy continues to uplift souls. “You don’t need to be a president or a parliamentarian to leave a mark,” he declared. ” He defined “transgenerational impact” as actions so enduring they ripple from one era to the next, outliving the doer.
To drive this home, Ayariga evoked Ghana’s own storied past. “In 1957, as most African nations clamored for independence, it was a visionary young man—courageous, risk-taking, and unyielding who led the charge: Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, our first president,” he recounted. “Sixty-nine years later, we still honor him not just for his generation, but for all those that followed. His legacy proves you don’t create lasting impact by idly waiting for statues or plaques. Think beyond your time, act with that same fire.”
He then turned to the whirlwind of modern progress, contrasting past eras with today’s digital revolution. “Our grandparents sent handwritten letters that took weeks to arrive; early mobile phones were novelties,” Ayariga noted. “Now, we navigate artificial intelligence, smartphones, high-speed networks, and even admission letters delivered instantly via email.” This technological leap, he argued, equips youth with unprecedented tools to amplify their influence globally. Yet, the focus must remain sharp: economic empowerment for young people, not just within Ghana’s borders, but across Africa and beyond.
Ayariga spotlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s youth-focused initiatives as blueprints for this vision. Programs like the Adwumawura Programme offer startup capital and mentorship for budding entrepreneurs; the National Apprenticeship Programme bridges skills gaps with hands-on training; and the One Million Coders initiative arms youth with essential digital proficiencies for the 21st-century economy. “This is our moment to rebuild the Ghana we envision,” he proclaimed. “We’ve faced unemployment, missed opportunities for
patriotic youth, and setbacks that need resetting. Little by little, with resolve, we’ll arrive at our destination.”
Beyond opportunity, Ayariga issued a stern lifestyle advisory. He implored young people to shift from job-hunting to self-building cultivating healthy habits, steering clear of drug traps like “red” and tramadol. “Let’s stop red before red stops us,” he warned vividly, framing substance abuse as a silent thief robbing the nation’s brightest potentials. “It’s a growing menace we must confront head-on.”
Extending his message to secondary school students, Ayariga tackled the alarming rise in campus violence, particularly during inter-school sports events. “These clashes are becoming far too common and utterly unacceptable,” he stated firmly, expressing deep concern over recent incidents that have marred school rivalries. He advised channeling youthful energy into constructive outlets: debates, dialogues, and projects that fuel national progress. To foster this shift, he announced ambitious plans for nationwide school clubs dedicated to peace and security. “Nothing is worth fighting for if it’s not fighting against poverty,” he quipped wisely.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development, alongside the NYA, pledged ongoing guidance and resources. Yet, Ayariga was clear on accountability: “Anyone caught fueling violence will face police action no exceptions.”
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson#ahotorfmonline.com