Ghana Scouts Association Holds its 1st National Youth Forum

As part of its strategy towards Youth Involvement in decision-making, the Ghana Scout Association (GSA) in collaboration with the Africa Regional Team organized its maiden National Scout Youth Forum. The objective of this forum is to provide an opportunity for young people in the Association to have a platform to express their views, make recommendations on issues of interest to them, develop skills necessary to strengthen their capacity and take part in decision-making processes.

This National Youth Forum was held from the 20th to 22nd December 2015 at GSA’s Sam Wood National Training Center, Sakyikrom – Nsawam with the theme “Youth Empowerment for the Preservation of Scouting Values”.

The Forum, which will henceforth precede the Annual General Meeting (AGM), will also provide an opportunity for the National Scout Council (highest decision-making body) to consider the views of the youth of the Association in relation to issues that concern them. Thirty-five (35) participants aged 18 – 26 years represented the various Regional Scout Councils of the Association.

Participants were taken through dialogue training facilitated by Ms. Pamela Akplogan, the Chairperson of Africa Youth Advisors, who enlightened participants on the best way to use perception in dialogue with regards to problem solving.

Ms. Jemima Nartey (Vice Chair, WSC) educated the participants on Youth Leadership. She entreated all participants to be visionary leaders as they aspire to be future leaders of the Association.

Mr. Jonathan Omondi (Youth Programme Manager at WSB-Africa) focused on achieving the mission and vision of the Scout Movement, the roles and responsibilities of the different levels in the organization, and the role of the Youth Advisors in making the WOSM Vision 2013 a success.

Mr. Victor Atipaga (Member, Africa Scout Committee) enlightened participants on the Messenger of Peace (MOP) Project. Participants were educated on principles, purpose and objectives of the project and how the MoP Global Network operates. He guided participants as to how they can be agents of peace in their communities.

The forum elected six Youth Advisors of the Ghana Scout Association. The Chief Commissioner of Ghana Scout Association, Mr. Gregory Manful, congratulated the six elected Youth Advisors for their new roles. He added that, leadership is not about the titles and names, but to focus on addressing the responsibilities that comes with it.

In appreciation, Mr. Obeng Yaw Boateng (Chairman Elect. – Youth Advisor, GSA) expressed gratitude to all participants for giving them the opportunity to serve as Youth Advisors. He gave the assurance they would work very hard to achieve what is expected of them. He therefore presented the recommendations of the forum on behalf of all participants to the National Executive Committee (NEC).