The National Youth Authority (NYA) has expanded this year’s National Youth Month celebrations beyond the national level, with regional activities officially commencing in the Northern Region through a clean-up exercise in Tamale.
The exercise marked the launch of the 2026 National Youth Month celebration in the region and brought together youth groups, members of the Northern Regional Youth Parliament and volunteers to clean selected areas within the Tamale Metropolis.
Northern Regional Director of the NYA, Amankona Ampofo, said the decision to decentralise the celebration was intended to give more young people across the country the opportunity to participate in activities promoting volunteerism, patriotism and community service.
He explained that August has been designated as National Youth Month since 2022 to recognise the contributions of young people to Ghana’s development.
“Unlike previous years when activities were concentrated at the national level, this year’s celebration will feature programmes across all regions to enable more young people to participate effectively,” he said.
Mr Ampofo noted that the clean-up exercise was the first in a series of activities planned throughout August and was also in support of the President’s national sanitation campaign.
“We decided to begin the Youth Month celebration with a clean-up exercise because cleanliness promotes good health and demonstrates our commitment to national development,” he said.
He stressed that the active participation of young people was essential to Ghana’s development and urged them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building efforts.
“If Ghana works, the youth of Ghana will work. The youth hold the future of this country, but we must all contribute meaningfully to make Ghana thrive,” he added.
Participants used the exercise to advocate improved environmental sanitation and responsible waste disposal practices.
Ruhia Tidow, a member of the Sagnarigu Municipal Youth Parliament, said young people had a responsibility to protect the environment and support public health initiatives.
She expressed concern about indiscriminate waste disposal, which she said contributes to flooding and environmental degradation, and urged residents to maintain clean surroundings throughout the year.
“As young people, we must ensure that after consuming anything, we dispose of the waste properly to keep our environment clean,” she said.
The NYA says activities throughout the month will continue to promote youth participation in community development, volunteerism and civic responsibility across the country.
