Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, has called on young Ghanaians to seize the opportunities before them and shape their own futures during the International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) 2026.
Delivering a keynote address at the summit under the theme “Transgenerational Impact,” Ayariga challenged youth to turn their ideas, skills, and courage into transformative actions. “What if the idea sitting in your mind today becomes the solution that transforms millions of lives tomorrow?” he asked, emphasizing the importance of ambition, innovation, and service.
Highlighting the critical role of youth in Ghana’s development, Ayariga noted that nearly four out of every ten Ghanaians are young people, making the nation’s future dependent on their creativity and leadership. He also shared inspiring success stories from the National Youth Authority’s programs, such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, which empowers young Ghanaians like Yao, a budding carpenter now designing furniture and creating jobs in his community.
Ayariga lauded partnerships like those with the iYES Foundation, which he said demonstrate that transformation is achieved through collaboration between government, foundations, and young leaders. He concluded with a powerful message to the youth: “The future is not ahead of you. The future is inside you. So rise. Lead. And create impact.”
