The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) has raised concerns about the growing vulnerabilities of Ghana's youth due to high unemployment and the absence of functional social structures. The organization highlighted the alarming trend of young people in urban centers such as Tamale, Kumasi, and Accra turning to drugs, betting, and alcohol as a means of coping with limited job opportunities.
At a press briefing in Accra, WACCE's Executive Director, Mr. Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, launched a new project titled ‘Building Change Makers for Change’. The initiative, supported by the US Embassy through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), aims to empower young people through community service and volunteerism, helping them to combat unemployment, drug abuse, and violence.
The project will involve training 120 participants in leadership, community service, and volunteerism, equipping them with the skills needed to address community challenges while also developing essential social and job skills. This training will be followed by community service activities in selected areas of Tamale and Accra.
Mr. Muqthar emphasized the importance of community service and volunteerism in building resilient societies and enhancing community life. He warned that unemployment not only immobilizes the youth but also drives them towards criminal activities, drug addiction, and other harmful behaviors.
WACCE believes that community service and volunteerism can serve as effective tools to empower young people, offering them a constructive pathway into the job market. By engaging in volunteer activities, youth can develop valuable job skills, improve teamwork, enhance communication, and build self-esteem, all while making a positive impact in their communities.
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