The North East Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Robert Kampi Laari, has underscored the critical role of youth participation in development initiatives, urging young people to actively engage in planning and decision-making processes within their communities.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Laari highlighted the importance of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), describing it as a four-year strategic framework that guides social, economic, and infrastructural development at the local level.
He explained that the MTDP is developed through inclusive community participation, involving residents, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to ensure that local priorities align with national development goals.
According to him, the plans outline key development projects, budgetary allocations, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms aimed at improving service delivery, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development.
“These plans are crucial for guiding development, ensuring effective resource allocation, fostering local ownership, and promoting transparency in governance,” Mr Laari noted.
He further stressed the need for greater awareness among young people, encouraging them to actively seek information from district and municipal authorities about ongoing and future medium-term development plans in the region.
Also contributing to the discussion, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the West Mamprusi Municipality, together with the Speaker of the Youth Parliament for West Mamprusi, Kashifa Abubakari, reaffirmed the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes at all levels of governance.
They noted that meaningful youth participation is essential to ensuring that development policies reflect the aspirations and needs of young people, who constitute a significant portion of the population.
The North East Region, described as a predominantly youthful region, currently operates under six administrative Municipal and District Assemblies, making youth engagement a vital component of effective and inclusive development planning.
Reported By Tahiru Apiliye Ibrahim
