The youth played leading roles during the event, underscoring their importance and active involvement in the project
The inception workshop for the Green Jobs and Youth Employment project, a collaborative effort between the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), marked the start of an innovative initiative aimed at addressing Ghana's pressing challenges of sustainable development and youth unemployment. Bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including enthusiastic youth, youth advocates and key leaders, the event provided a platform for dynamic exchanges valuable in shaping the project’s implementation for optimal outcomes.
“It is heartening to have so many young people and key youth-focused leaders in the same room, engaging in honest discussions to shape the course and outcome of this important project,” said Dr. Kofi Asante, ISSER Senior Research Fellow and member of the research team.
Prof. Quartey welcomes attendees to the workshop, encouraging their active participation.
Speakers at the event included Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER and Principal Investigator on the project, and Madam Fairuza Safian, Director of CAMFED Ghana. Prof. F. K. E. Nunoo, Director of Tertiary at the Ministry of Education, delivered a statement on behalf of the Education Minister, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, pledging the Ministry of Education’s support for the project.
Reflecting the project's emphasis on empowering youth, the youth played significant roles during the event, underscoring their importance and active involvement in the project. Youth research team members, Ms. Hannah Darkwah and Ms. Madonna Naawinkaar Kuuniaba presented an insightful overview of the project, outlining the objectives, research communities and research methodology. This was followed by a Q&A session where participants interacted with the research team, deepening their understanding of the project.
The event provided a platform for dynamic exchanges valuable in shaping the project’s implementation for optimal outcomes.
Break-out sessions, facilitated by the youth research team, provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on key concepts and issues, including the definition of green jobs, sectors with green jobs potential, and the roles of various stakeholders.
The inception was held on 27 March at ISSER, setting the tone for collaborative efforts between ISSER, a dynamic research institute and CAMFED, a youth-driven organization to outline evidence-based solutions to address the challenge of youth employment and sustainable development.
About the project
Leveraging the Ghana Green Jobs Strategy (2021-2015) and recognizing the potential of green industries, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the project aims to explore and promote green jobs for Ghanaian youth. Through a mixed-methods approach prioritizing youth voices, the research seeks to identify barriers and support mechanisms necessary for their participation in the green economy. Ultimately, the project aims to inform policies and initiatives that foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth while empowering Ghana's youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to build fulfilling livelihoods in the emerging green sectors.
Furthermore, by fostering collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders including policymakers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and youth advocates, the project aims to catalyze collective action towards fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, the project aspires to empower Ghana's youth, particularly those facing systemic barriers, to seize the opportunities presented by the green economy and forge pathways towards fulfilling livelihoods and resilient futures in the emerging green sectors.
For more information about the project, contact Dr. Kofi Asante via email at ktasante@ug.edu.gh
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