The 2025 edition of the Youth Model Parliament (YMP) National Congress came off from 29th October to 2nd November 2025 at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, Accra, bringing together young leaders from across the country to deliberate on national issues, sharpen leadership skills, and advance youth-driven policy solutions.
The event was organised by the Youth Empowerment Consortium (YEC), an organisation focused on promoting youth participation in governance and socio-economic development.
During the Congress, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with young people to champion environmental sustainability across Ghana, emphasising that the country’s environmental future depends on the innovation, advocacy, and leadership of the youth.
Speaking on the theme, “From Vision to Policy: Equipping Young Leaders to Champion Environmental Sustainability in Ghana,” Caleb Elorm Kadu, Special Assistant to the CEO of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, stressed that the Authority views young people not merely as beneficiaries or targets of regulation, but as crucial partners in shaping a sustainable national future.
“We are not just regulators. We are partners to the youth. We want them to explore the opportunities within the new environmental acts for economic empowerment for themselves and the communities around them.” Mr Kadu said.
Youth as Drivers of the Circular Economy
Mr Kadu outlined ongoing EPA initiatives focused on tackling plastic waste—one of the country’s most persistent environmental challenges. He noted that the EPA has begun establishing e-waste and plastic collection and processing centres to create opportunities for young people in recycling, value adding, and the circular economy.
He emphasised that rather than implementing a sudden ban on plastics, the EPA is currently coordinating a multi-stakeholder dialogue to develop a regulatory framework that is realistic, enforceable, and economically sensitive.
“It is a gradual process. We are in active dialogue with stakeholders to design a regulation that works. We want the plastic regulation to be effective in law and in practice—creating opportunities while solving the environmental challenge,” he said.
Responsible Mining, not a Mining Ban
Mr Kadu also addressed public perceptions regarding illegal mining (galamsey). He clarified that the EPA is not calling for a national ban on mining but is instead promoting strict adherence to environmental standards and responsible mining practices.
Recently, the EPA issued directives limiting the sale and manufacture of “shanfans”—machines commonly used in illegal mining—to aid monitoring and enforcement efforts.
“Mining is part of our economic structure. The EPA is not against mining. We are against irresponsible mining.”
“If you want to mine, secure the required permits and follow environmental standards. We stand for regulated, sustainable mining,” he asserted.
He further noted that the EPA, working with NGOs and international partners, has initiated a pilot land restoration programme in the Central Region, with plans to expand it nationally.
Youth Empowerment Consortium Calls for Values-Led Leadership
Welcoming participants, Joseph Boakye Agyemang, Director of Programmes for YEC, described the Congress as a strategic platform for nurturing ethical, informed, and visionary leadership among young Ghanaians.
“This Congress is not just another gathering. It is a convergence of purpose, a place where young people learn to think critically, debate responsibly, and lead with values. You are here because Ghana believes in you,” he stated.
Mr. Agyemang added that the Youth Model Parliament goes beyond symbolic participation, serving as a training ground for future policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and public officials.
“At YEC, we are intentional about building capacity, nurturing confidence, and expanding leadership horizons. Leadership is not an event—it is a responsibility, a journey, and a continuous act of service.”
He encouraged participants to use the Congress as a platform for collaboration across regions, backgrounds, and ideologies, stating, “Ghana rises when her youth rise.”
Participants Inspired to Lead
For many attendees, the Congress was transformative. Stephen Akisime, representing the Builsa North Constituency, shared: “Joining this youth parliament has opened my eyes. Leadership is a journey of mentorship. I am ready to learn so that I can also nurture the next generation.”
