Sharaf Mahama, the son of former president John Dramani Mahama, has issued a rallying cry to his fellow youth on this year's International Youth Day, which is observed today, August 12, 2023. He encourages them to seize control of their destinies and actively shape their future as they think about what lies ahead.
The younger Mahama emphasized the need for young people to organize as catalysts for change, taking on active roles in shaping what lies ahead — a more promising future for themselves and their communities — in a social media post honoring International Youth Day 2023 under the theme "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World."
"For all of us young people, today is a significant day. The "International Youth Day" is a day designated to honor us. And as we honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of young people around the world, I want to remind you to consider carefully "what lies ahead" of us and how we can change the prevalent negative narratives about our generation, which do not accurately reflect the effort and character of young people like us.
Getting Around Adversity
Mahama acknowledged the growing economic difficulties that have dimmed young people's prospects and given them little reason for optimism.
We are currently unable to definitely foresee a bright future due to the numerous difficulties we face. There is little to no hope or opportunity for greater infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic well-being, skill development, and access to clean water, among other things. Nearly everything we value and care about is at stake, endangering our future, he said, adding that if these problems are not resolved, the country, whose more than 55 percent of the population is under 25, might face serious long-term repercussions.
What is in store?
Mahama emphasized the capacity to overcome challenges blocking the way to a successful common future for young people by relying on the power of communal synergy, innovation, and tenacity.
Therefore, it is appropriate for us to behave and think in ways that alter the future. Although the future is ours, the actual job began yesterday. As young people, we still have the chance to organize, consider, and take action, he said.
Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the cause and his desire to work with young people to improve the world.
He vowed solemnly to assist this effort since Sharaf Mahama's call to action resonated with so many young people all across the world and served as a poignant reminder that everyone's support is needed to build a better tomorrow.
It is a cause I wish to support since it puts us in charge of our future and strives to improve everyone's quality of life. I invite you to talk with me in the days ahead about how we might each come up with our own answers to the issues we face. Surely, "what lies ahead" matters to us! On International Youth Day, he urged young people to become involved and help create the future.
2023 International Youth Day,
"What Lies Ahead,"
"Green Skills for Youth,"
"GroupThinkAndAct," and "Our Future”