Talking of leadership in the 21st century, one would care to reminisce over the old days and make a clear distinction between the two eras. Since time immemorial ,leadership has always be in the hands of the old generation and that has brought many victories and development in many parts of the world but considering that memoir to this new age, can one really attest that leadership in the hands of the older generation has brought about development? This generational squabbling between the young and the old has to be sought in the reform of society. Young idealism represents one of the great untapped resources of modern society. Rather than dismiss the youth as intemperate or naïve, the society would be better off if it enlisted them in the struggle to build a better world.
Taking a critical look at Ghana’s population structure, young people, who constitute the working group, are the most abundant of the population. They make a total of about 51 percent of the population with age grouping between 15 and 64 years. However, the Macmillan School Dictionary defines young people as people who have lived only for a short time. Nevertheless, their involvement in issues of national interest is distinct and not datable.
Notable among the reasons why young people in leadership can promote national development in Ghana are; They have great visions and initiatives for the betterment of society; they are equipped with better skills and modern ways of combating issues; they are more enthusiastic; they are energetic; they are confident and have the ability to out in frantic efforts to bring about development; they are curious and explore much; they are ever dynamic responsive to global challenges.
One major reason why the youth in leadership can promote national development is that they have greater ambitions, visions and aspirations which when brought into realities can promote development in Ghana.
In order not to make mincemeat of this assertion ,let us consider Mark Zuckerberg, the youngster who founded Facebook at the age of 25. He is a living legend and a quintessence to what young people can really achieve if given the opportunity and needed support. He was the youngest ever self-made billionaire and attracted worldwide attention. By doing so, he attracted investors to his country and made his country proud. He is the face of youth achievers and leadership qualities for social, economic and political development.
Furthermore, modern style of education equips young people with better skills and modern ways of combating issues to make right leadership. As a matter of fact, educated elites in the olden days were taught to operate typewriters but today, the personal computers have made that skill useless.
If not the youth of today that can operate such devices to promote work and development as a result of modern education, who else can do that? It is therefore necessary to give these young people the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills by entrusting them with leadership roles.
To add salts to injury, young people are taught strategic ways of solving issues that arise in society. If our elders in society will banish a member of society for committing a heinous crime, the youth of today will detain that person and mould him to become a better person in society and this will go a long way to bring about development in Ghana.
Additionally, young people are more energetic and should be playing lead roles in the implementation of projects. They are more enthusiastic, confident and have the ability to put in frantic efforts to effect positive development
Moreover, one does not need glass eyes to notice that the Ghanaian economy; agricultural sector and technological aspects require a curious but thoughtful mind. One such mind can only be found in the youth of today who are exposed to various theories, principles and doctrines which are characteristic of modern education .That notwithstanding, the aged are christined with relevant experience and understanding to effect progress but do we need progress at a low pace when there are abundant resources to propel it at a faster rate?
We need imminent rise in development to propel mother Ghana from a middle income nation to a developed nation.
Young people have always pressed for a voice in affairs at the family, institutional and national levels .
The society’s persistent and stubborn denial of their participation in decision making and leadership roles should therefore be halted so that young people can contribute their talent for the benefit of the Ghanaian society. Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan believes in the resourceful influence of the youth on the world. He asserts that “young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered ,they can be key can be key agents for development and peace. If however, they are left on society’s margins ,all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.
Written by
Bashiru Issah Danwana
0209665909
Nandom Senior High School
Post Office Box 18
Nandom
Upper West Region
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