The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, has called on young people across Ghana and Africa to harness their creativity, courage, and vision to create lasting impact for future generations.
Delivering the keynote address at the International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) 2026, Ayariga emphasized that the ideas and skills young people are developing today could become transformative solutions that improve millions of lives in the future.
“What if the idea sitting in your mind today becomes the solution that transforms millions of lives tomorrow?” he asked participants during his opening remarks.
The summit, which brought together youth leaders, innovators, and development partners, was held under the theme “Transgenerational Impact.” According to the NYA CEO, the theme highlights the responsibility of the current generation to build systems, opportunities, and values that will benefit future generations.
Ayariga noted that nearly four out of every ten Ghanaians are young people, making youth empowerment central to the country’s development agenda.
“The future of Ghana is not somewhere far away. The future of Ghana is sitting in this room,” he said.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of technology, innovation, and global connectivity to create solutions that address societal challenges and drive economic growth.
According to him, platforms like the International Youth Empowerment Summit provide critical opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among young leaders.
Ayariga also highlighted the role of the National Youth Authority in supporting youth development through leadership programs, skills training initiatives, and national engagement platforms.
He urged the youth to embrace vision, courage, and service as guiding principles in building a generation that creates opportunities and contributes to national and continental development.
