Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has made a bold move by filling his administration with youthful appointees, a decision some view as a political gamble. However, this initiative is not merely a strategic maneuver but a national necessity aimed at creating opportunities for the burgeoning youth population in Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama’s appointments include Dr. Frank Amoakohene as the Ashanti Regional Minister, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu and Shamima Muslim as Government Spokespersons, and Stanislav Dogbe as Deputy Chief of Staff, among others. These appointments are seen as a critical step in addressing Ghana’s pressing issues while showcasing that the present, not just the future, belongs to the youth.
Ghana’s demographic landscape is predominantly youthful, with a median age of just 21.3 years and over 57% of the population under 25. Each year, more than 110,000 young Ghanaians graduate from tertiary institutions, but only 10% find employment in the public sector. The Ghana Statis
tical Service reports a youth unemployment rate of 22.5% among those aged 15-35, affecting nearly 355,000 young individuals. These figures highlight the urgency for action to prevent the dreams and hopes of Ghana’s youth from being extinguished.
President Mahama, having experienced leadership roles as a young individual, has consistently advocated for youth inclusion and equity. His appointment of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice President symbolizes the potential of inclusive leadership. The young appointees, like the Ashanti Regional Minister, represent a new wave of governance, though they face scrutiny from critics who question the wisdom of entrusting national leadership to the youth.
The success of these young leaders is crucial. If they succeed, they validate the trust placed in them; if they fail, they risk reinforcing stereotypes of youth incompetence. This is why President Mahama’s youth appointees must work diligently, maintain integrity, and focus on policies add
ressing unemployment, digital exclusion, and access to capital.
Youth-led initiatives across Ghana are already transforming governance, development, and entrepreneurship through digital innovation and civic activism. Similar trends are observed in other African nations like Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. However, youthful appointees must remain dynamic and responsive, championing reforms in education, entrepreneurship, and digital skills.
With over 380,000 new job seekers entering Ghana’s market annually, young leaders must spearhead reforms that tackle unemployment and digital exclusion. These include expanding technical education, investing in digital infrastructure, creating youth-targeted financing schemes, and reforming public sector hiring to be more inclusive and merit-based.
While promoting the youth agenda, seasoned politicians must mentor and guide young appointees. Initiatives like the Programme for Young Politicians in Africa (PYPA) and the African Leadership Centre Fellowships are already fost
ering such mentorship across the continent. Mentorship should focus on continuity and passing on wisdom, not power, ensuring the next generation leads with clarity, courage, and competence.
Ultimately, leadership transcends age; it is about vision, discipline, and service. The youth must not only walk through the doors opened by President Mahama but also keep them open for others, building a future worthy of their dreams.