Youth Advocates Ghana (YAG) is a youth-led organization committed to empowering young people through advocacy, education, and policy engagement. In 2024, YAG implemented several initiatives across various sectors, aligning them with key thematic areas that address youth development. These programs focus on health, peace and security, gender equality, climate action, innovation, and global goals, ensuring that young people play a pivotal role in national and international development efforts.
Below is a thematic categorization of YAG’s programs along with brief descriptions of their objectives and impact.
Youth Health and Well-Being
Ensuring that young people have access to quality healthcare, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), is a core focus of YAG. The organization works to improve health services, advocate for better policies, and promote awareness among adolescents and youth. Key intervention areas are Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, and Universal Health Coverage.
Youth Peace and Security
YAG recognizes the crucial role of young people in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Through advocacy, dialogue, and coalition-building, YAG strengthens youth leadership in fostering stability and social cohesion.
1. National Youth Conference on Peace and Security – Aims to empower youth as peacebuilders by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and strategic action in preventing conflicts and ensuring social stability.
2. Formation of the Youth Peace and Security Coalition – A platform for youth-led advocacy and initiatives to promote peace and prevent violence.
3. Mobilize Youth participation in the development of the National Action Plan on Peace and Security.
Gender Equality and Girls’ Empowerment
Gender inequality remains a major challenge for young girls, especially in areas such as education, health, and protection from harmful practices. YAG’s initiatives focus on empowering girls and ensuring equal opportunities in the area of menstrual hygiene, gender-based violence, and gender equality.
Youth, Migration, and Climate Actions
Climate change and migration challenges continue to affect young people, influencing their livelihoods and future prospects. YAG engages in advocacy and strategic partnerships to ensure youth play a role in shaping climate policies and migration solutions.
1. African Youth SDGs Summit – Provides a platform for youth advocacy on global challenges, including climate action and migration, engaging stakeholders in policy discussions and sustainable solutions.
2. Our Planet Project – Works with youth in schools and wider communities across Ghana to raise awareness on climate change and environmental degradation.
Youth Innovation and Enterprise Development
Young people need opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and engage in meaningful economic activities. YAG supports innovation and business development through training, partnerships, and targeted programs.
Youth and Global Goals
Young people must be involved in the implementation and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). YAG ensures that youth voices are amplified in global policy discussions and development frameworks.
1. African Youth SDGs Summit – A flagship initiative convened by YAG, this summit serves as Africa’s largest youth-led platform for SDG engagement. Since its inception, it has been hosted in Ethiopia, Zambia, and Ghana, bringing together young leaders, policymakers, and development partners to drive action on the SDGs. In 2025, YAG, in collaboration with the Kenya Youth Council, plans to host the summit in Kenya.
2. African Youth Consultative Forum on the Summit for the Future – Engages youth in shaping policies for sustainable development, aligning with the UN SDGs.
