More than 1,000 youth representing 44 Anglophone and Francophone African countries has met in Accra to brainstorm on means of inspiring the youth to realise their potential and opportunities required to reposition the continent for its sustainable growth and development.
The five-day congress was held on the theme, “Africa: My Home, My Future” under the facilitation of the All African Conference of Churches (AACC) with its continental secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya and the Christian Council of Ghana.
It also attracted the participation of stakeholder organisations worldwide including faith ecumenical bodies such as World Communion of Reformed Churches, Africa Union, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) among others.
The official opening of the congress also coincided with the Africa Youth Day instituted in 2006 for celebration on 1st November each year by an African Youth Charter under the auspices of African Union Commission (AUC).
The Congress participants are discussing topics relevant to Africa’s socio-economic development agenda such as “Promoting Youth and African Patriotism”; “Campaigning for African Dignity”; “Advocating for Peace, Justice and Security” and “Fostering Active Citizenship.”
In a keynote address, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, stated that investing in education, health, entrepreneurial skills and empowerment are meaningful and viable means for African countries to realise the potential of the youth.
“Our youth represent a diverse range of realities, skills sets, and talents, and it is in this diversity that solutions to the continent’s problems can be found.”
The General Secretary of All Africa Conference of Churches, Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki called on young people of Africa to join forces to reach the aspirations of Agenda 2063 for a prosperous, integrated, peaceful Africa, leading to the Africa we want.
He also urged the youth to demonstrate commitment towards working and fighting for a peaceful Africa anchored on reliable, sustainable democratic leadership, and reject the unconstitutional transfer of power, through active citizenship, vying for political positions in their own countries to change the course of history.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana and immediate past Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul Boafo urged the youth of Africa to see themselves as agents of change capable of positioning themselves for the future challenges that will confront the world.
He also entreated the youth to uphold socio-moral values of integrity, selflessness and discipline as vital ingredients, adding that strengthening their commitment to the faith by developing a relationship with God will facilitate their success in life.
