Nana Amoah kwedwo ll Mawerehene of Atwesine sworn into office as the country head (Ghana) for international youth network for United Nations security council

Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Members of Government, Esteemed Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Colleagues from the United Nations family,

Traditional Authorities, Civil Society Partners, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning, I am Hon. Hadji Mustapha (Nana Amoah Kwedwo II)
It is with profound humility, deep gratitude, and a strong sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as I formally accept the role of International Youth Network for the United Nations Security Council Country Head for the Republic of Ghana.

This commissioning is not merely a personal milestone. It is a renewed affirmation of the United Nations’ enduring partnership with the Government and people of Ghana, and a collective recommitment to the ideals of peace, development, justice, and human dignity.

Today’s ceremony is more than a symbolic transition; it is a call to service and a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to future generations. It is also a moment of clear projection and focus.

As we look ahead, our work will be guided by intentional planning, strong institutions, and a deliberate emphasis on youth as drivers of peace, governance, and sustainable development

Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Our continent is young, dynamic, innovative, and full of promise.

Yet, it is also confronted by persistent challenges of conflict, unemployment, inequality, and governance gaps that disproportionately affect young people.

The question before us is not whether youth will shape Africa’s future, but whether they will be empowered to shape it positively.

It is in response to this question that our agenda in Ghana takes form.
First, on projection and focus, we are committed to building structured platforms that anchor youth participation in governance and justice. In alignment with Ghana’s constitutional framework and rich traditional heritage,

We will support the establishment of Traditional Youth Courts. These courts are envisioned as community based, restorative justice mechanisms that promote dialogue, accountability, civic education, and peaceful conflict resolution among young people.

They are not designed to replace formal judicial institutions, but to complement them by strengthening social cohesion at the grassroots level.

In addition, we will advance the formation of a Youth Parliament. This body will serve as a national platform for leadership development, policy engagement, and democratic participation.

Through the Youth Parliament, young people will gain practical exposure to legislative processes, policy analysis, and public service, while contributing informed perspectives to national discourse.

This initiative reflects our belief that democracy is strengthened when young citizens are prepared, informed, and actively engaged.

Second, we recognize that peace and participation must be matched with opportunity. Sustainable peace cannot exist without economic empowerment, and inclusion must translate into livelihoods.

To this end, we will support the establishment of Rehabilitation and Skills Training Centres across Ghana. These centres will focus on vocational skills, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and life skills, particularly targeting young people at risk of marginalization.

By equipping youth with practical tools for self-reliance, these centres will contribute to crime prevention, social reintegration, and economic resilience.

They will also align with national development priorities by supporting job creation and private sector growth. Peace without livelihoods is fragile, and development without inclusion is unsustainable.

Third, to ensure effective delivery, we will institute a clear, inclusive, and accountable leadership structure. This structure will define roles and responsibilities at national, regional, and community levels, while promoting transparency, coordination, and results based management.

It will emphasize mentorship, ethical leadership, and intergenerational dialogue, ensuring that young leaders are guided by experience while empowered to innovate.

Strong leadership structures are essential not only for programme implementation, but for credibility and sustainability. They ensure continuity, institutional memory, and public trust.

Fourth, central to this entire agenda will be the strengthening and full operationalization of our Country Office in Ghana.

The Country Office will serve as the strategic and operational hub for planning, coordination, monitoring, and partnership engagement. It will align our initiatives with national priorities,

ECOWAS frameworks, and the broader United Nations agenda, while remaining responsive to community level realities.
The Country Office will also function as a platform for innovation, evidence based programming, and accountability, ensuring that our interventions deliver measurable and lasting impact.

As we situate Ghana’s progress within the broader African context, we are reminded of the urgency of our collective responsibility. In South Sudan, fragile peace continues to test institutions and communities, with humanitarian needs remaining acute.

In Nigeria, insecurity driven by violent extremism, communal tensions, and economic hardship continues to disrupt lives, particularly those of women and young people.

These situations remind us of the devastating human cost of conflicts, families displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and futures put on hold. They also reinforce the importance of prevention, youth engagement, and institution-building.

Multilateralism, cooperation, and inclusive governance are not abstract ideals; they are practical necessities for peace.

Against this backdrop, Ghana’s leadership stands out. Ghana continues to exemplify democratic resilience, regional diplomacy, and commitment to peacekeeping and human rights. Its role within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the global community positions it as a stabilizing force and a source of inspiration.

It is within this context that I embrace this role—not merely as a representative, but as a partner and servant of a shared vision.

A vision where young people are not seen as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of solutions. Where institutions are strengthened, opportunities expanded, and no one is left behind.

As we commission this new chapter of work in Ghana, I pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication.

I commit to working hand in hand with government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners, and most importantly, the communities whose voices guide our mission.

Together, we will advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we will strengthen systems that create jobs, expand access to quality education and healthcare, promote climate resilience, and empower women and youth.

And together, we will ensure that Ghana remains a symbol of progress, stability, and opportunity within the region and beyond.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Ghana, our development partners, and the United Nations family for the trust placed in this mission. It is a privilege to serve, and I look forward with optimism and determination to the work ahead.

Thank you, and may our partnership continue to flourish for the benefit of all.

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