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Veteran Journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah, criticizes Ghana’s Youth Empowerment Initiatives
In a candid interview on Starr 103.5 FM’s “The Zone” with media personality Edem Farrie, legendary sports journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah offered a scathing critique of Ghana’s youth empowerment initiatives, describing them as largely ineffective and often serving as vehicles for corruption.
When asked about governmental initiatives or policies that have improved the lives of participants, over his 20 years span in broadcasting, Yeboah didn’t mince words. “Honestly, when it comes to human resource development, I think we have not done enough as a country,” he stated. “In most cases, the ministries responsible for these human resource development, would want to organize a few days seminars and usually pocket the money”, he stated.
Dan Kweku Yeboah highlighted a recurring pattern where substantial funds are allocated for youth programs, especially near elections, but the intended beneficiaries rarely see the benefits. “We don’t really get the benefits that we’re supposed to derive from these programs,” he explained. “Usually, the undertones and intentions are to line a few pockets.” He concluded that few initiatives benefit the few, however, if you look at the big picture, we can do better.
When asked what he would do differently if in a position of power, Yeboah emphasized the potential of sports as a job creation tool for youth. He criticized the current approach, where initiatives are announced without providing necessary resources, including funding.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah proposed a more focused approach to youth empowerment through sports. “80% to 90% of sports participants are youth. If I were in a position of powerI would improve the sports to serve as a job creation tool for the youth. “For instance, I would have set up ultra modern boxing gyms in every region, ensuring private partners collaborate with the National Sports Authority to effectively manage these facilities”. He suggested that Ghana can set a target to produce champions every five years, asserting that with proper budget allocation and reduction in wasteful expenditure, such initiatives are feasible.
He made these revelations on The Zone, Holiday edition, with media personality Edem Farrie.The veteran journalist’s comments shed light on the gap between the rhetoric and reality of youth empowerment in Ghana. His insights call for a reevaluation of current strategies and a more transparent, results-oriented approach to truly empower the nation’s youth.
As the conversation on “The Zone” demonstrated, there’s a growing demand for accountability and tangible outcomes in Ghana’s youth empowerment efforts.
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