By Clement Akoloh
Accra, Ghana
The First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament and Leader of Ghana’s Delegation to the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, has declared that the future of democracy in Africa will be determined by how meaningfully young people are empowered to participate in governance.
Speaking at the inaugural Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy in Accra, Hon. Ahiafor said the timing of the forum could not be more urgent as democratic institutions face “new and complex challenges.”
“Across our continent and indeed across the world, democratic institutions are facing new and complex challenges resulting in the reversal of gains achieved through years of hard work,” he told delegates from across Africa.
“Our people are demanding greater accountability, transparency, inclusion and participation.”
He conveyed greetings from the Speaker of Parliament of Ghana, Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to the teeming youth leaders from all over Africa who had gathered in Accra for the forum.
“Africa’s greatest strategic advantage”
Citing projections that by 2050 one in four people globally will be African, Hon. Ahiafor said the continent’s youthful population must be seen as an asset, not a problem.
“Africa is the youngest continent in the world. By 2050, one out of every four people on earth is expected to be African, with the overwhelming majority being young people. This demographic reality presents not merely a challenge but an extraordinary opportunity. It represents Africa’s greatest strategic advantage — if properly harnessed.”
He praised young Africans for already driving change through civil activism, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development.
“They are not waiting for the future to arrive. They are actively creating it.”
From beneficiaries to partners
Despite this, Hon. Ahiafor warned that many young people remain excluded from formal decision-making.
“Too often they are consulted after decisions have been taken, rather than being involved from the beginning. Too often they are viewed as beneficiaries of policies instead of partners in designing the policies.”
Quoting, “Progress is impossible without change. Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything,” he said participation was not a favor.
“Under our democracy, it is strongest when every citizen has the opportunity not only to vote, but also to contribute meaningfully in shaping public policy and national development. Participation is not a favour granted to young people. It is a democratic imperative.”
What Parliament is doing
As the institution of representation, he said parliament has a special responsibility to remain open and inclusive. He outlined initiatives by the Parliament of Ghana including student visits to Parliament and the establishment of youth parliamentary groups in first and second cycle schools.
“Enabling students to participate in debates, question sessions and related parliamentary and committee proceedings, with the aim of deepening their understanding of the democratic process.”
He described the Pan-African Youth Parliament as “exactly the kind of platform that Africa needs” to exchange ideas and forge partnerships across borders. He noted that challenges like climate change, unemployment, migration and digital transformation “do not respect national borders” and require collective solutions through AfCFTA, Agenda 2063, and the Pan-African Parliament.
“However these ambitions cannot be realised without the active engagement of Africans.”
Three lessons for youth leaders
Hon. Ahiafor offered three reflections to young leaders gathered:
- Embrace leadership as service: “Measured not by title but by service, integrity, humility and the positive impact you make in the lives of Africans.”; 2. Invest in critical thinking: to distinguish facts from misinformation ;3. Build bridges: “Democracy flourishes through dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement. Differences of opinion should never become obstacles.”
“Let this become a movement”
In his closing remarks, he called for concrete action from leaders.
“Our collective as leaders we must also create opportunities for young people. This means investing in quality education, expanding opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Strengthening civic education, promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that government systems remain transparent, accountable and accessible to all.”
“The future of our countries will not be shaped by the challenges we face but by the courage, vision and determination with which we respond to them.”
He urged delegates to ensure the forum’s impact lasts beyond the three days.
“Let this inaugural Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy become more than an event. Let it become a lasting movement that inspires young Africans to lead with integrity, uphold democratic values, serve with humility and innovate with purpose.”
“Let us build an Africa where every young person should not only vote but also have the opportunity to shape the future.”
He commended organizers — the Innovation Foundation for Democracy and Parliamentary Network Africa — and acknowledged the presence of the Ghana National Youth Authority.
The Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy brought together young parliamentarians, youth leaders, MPs and development partners to discuss strengthening democratic governance across the continent.
Source: parliamentnews360.com
