CULTIVATING ETHICAL LEADERS: THE 6S FRAMEWORK
The coalition stressed that leadership development must be deliberate and intentional, beginning at the grassroots level. "The leaders we see today are not aliens; they come from among us and for that Africa's Salvation comes not from the East nor the West but from within," stated Christopher Wisdom Penu, National Coordinator for Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition. Recognizing that Africa's leadership culture is a critical challenge, they advocated for a transformative approach.
"We need a deliberate curriculum, from basic education to tertiary institutions, that defines leadership through the '6S' traits: Solutions, Service, Selflessness, Stewardship, Sacrifice, and Sincerity," Christopher asserted. By instilling these values, the coalition believes Ghana can foster a culture of leadership and accountability, where citizens understand their inextricable link.

EMPOWERING YOUTH: THE CORNERSTONE OF ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
The coalition underscored the importance of active citizenship, particularly among Ghana's young people who are below the age 35, who constitute over 73% of the population. "Central to active citizenship is human capital, and the youth are principal to realizing good governance," Christopher Wisdom Penu emphasized.
However, they expressed deep concern over the exclusion of young people from decision-making and governance processes and only reduced youth to voting machines. Ghana's Constitutional Youth population are over 38% ( 15-35 years) and according to Electoral Commission data over 55%  of 2020 voters and over 50% of 2024 voters were between the ages of 18 to 35 yet not a single one of such a huge demographic is in cabinet. "This cannot be democracy if we adhere to Abraham Lincoln's definition of 'government of the people, by the people, and for the people,'" they argued.
Highlighting the disconnect, the coalition pointed to the limited participation of youth in the thematic area discussions and the current administration's lack of youth representation in Cabinet positions. "We saw many young people joining the plenary, but they were not planned for to join the thematic area discussions," they noted. "Furthermore, the current administration has only one youth appointed as a regional minister and none in the Cabinet, not even the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment."
The coalition called for urgent action to ensure youth are not only invited to the table but are seen as "owners and partners" in the journey towards good governance.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM : A YOUTH-SENSITIVE APPROACH
Recognizing the need for systemic change, the Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition demanded an urgent review of the constitution to make it "youth-sensitive and youth-relevant." They believe this reform is essential to creating a framework that empowers and includes young people in shaping the nation's future.

The coalition's participation in the National Economic Dialogue, which also included thematic area discussions on Achieving Sustainable Macroeconomic stability, Promoting Economic Transformation, Advancing Infrastructure Development, Implementing structural reforms, Ensuring Private sector led growth and Restoring Good Governance and Combating corruption , demonstrates their commitment to contributing to Ghana's economic and governance development. Their strong message calls for a paradigm shift, placing youth at the heart of Ghana's progress and demanding a future where leadership, accountability, and active citizenship are deeply ingrained in the nation's fabric.

signed,
Christopher Wisdom Penu                                                
Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition                          
(National Coordinator )                                            
Contact No. 0553912036 / 0597229797         
Email: cwpenu@gmail.com