Youth policy advocacy

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First appologies for non-contribution since the online discussions and training started. I have either been traveling or sick. My name is Simon and I work for Abusua FOundation based out in Cape Coast Ghana. Following the discussion, I can say that Ghanaian Youth have had a very difficult climate to positively get their voices heard in the development of the youth policy. After over a decade the policy was launch in August 2010 during the world youth day. The policy had no action plan, neither did it have a budget. So we do not know how it will be implemented, how mauch it will cost among others.

The NYC and the sector ministry promised that the concerns raised will be addressed in 2weeks and 6months has since passed.

How is the youth policy advocated? In Ghana, my experience has been that the policy issues have been carried by civil society rather than government.

Advocacy: the advocacy for and of the policy has been limited to Accra the Capital. And the key discussants have been politicians. Which means that the people that really work with and for youth are largely ignored or just heard locally. As the case has been, local advocacy in Ghana does not count if your voice is not heard in Accra.

What has been my experience? I use facebook and a media tool for scope and reach. I have used my space on the social network to point, support, criticise on issues that concern youth. So have I posted opportunities that target young people

Simon Eyram Tsike-Sossah (talk)00:51, 19 February 2011

Thanks Simon for your contributions. You raise very pertinent issues that link policy development and advocacy that is necessary. You mention that youth participation in developing the policy was challenging coupled by the fact that there isn't an action plan nor financial resources to support implementation of the policy: I see a huge opportunity here for advocacy work, that should lead to developing an action plan as well as identifying resources to implement the plan. Before we get to the implementation process - would you say that a majority of Ghanaian youth can relate to the issues identified in the policy? I believe it was sustained advocacy work that led the Government launching the policy - how were the advocacy campaigns organised?

I note that you use social media for your advocacy campaigns - has this channel worked especially if the message has to reach Government?

Nmunala (talk)01:55, 19 February 2011

Dear Nellie arising from Simon's observations above and what I have observed in my experience, I note that usually a lot of efforts are directed towards having a very well written policy document and when it is launched usually there is insufficent funding or lack of proper implementation and monitoring mechanism. Would it be helpful to ensure that these concerns are addressed before a Youth Policy is launched?

GabKon (talk)02:12, 19 February 2011
 

Thanks Simon for your contributions. You raise very pertinent issues that link policy development and advocacy that is necessary. You mention that youth participation in developing the policy was challenging coupled by the fact that there isn't an action plan nor financial resources to support implementation of the policy: I see a huge opportunity here for advocacy work, that should lead to developing an action plan as well as identifying resources to implement the plan. Before we get to the implementation process - would you say that a majority of Ghanaian youth can relate to the issues identified in the policy? I believe it was sustained advocacy work that led the Government launching the policy - how were the advocacy campaigns organised?

I note that you use social media for your advocacy campaigns - has this channel worked especially if the message has to reach Government?

Nmunala (talk)02:06, 19 February 2011
 

Welcome, I hope you are now stable and fit. The discussions have been so enjoyable but, all along I have been a lonely Ghanaian sharing the Ghanaian experience. I am happy you are now around.I agree with you that in Ghana,the policy issues have been carried by civil society rather than government. But in any case I perfectly go with Nellie as she says that there is a big opportunity for advocacy work. Thanks--Kafuiaheto 15:20, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

Kafuiaheto (talk)04:20, 19 February 2011