Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide has been honoured by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) for his exploits in fostering youth development in the country.

The award was conferred on Mr Hadzide during the Greater Accra edition of ‘NUGS Talk’, held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the Accra College of Education

The program was on the theme "The Grand Convocation: Youth Support; Policy, Practice, Impact”.

NUGS President, Dennis Appiah Larbi-Ampofo, stated that the award was in recognition of Mr Puis Enam Hadzide’s immense strides towards the implementation of the 2022-2032 National Youth Policy, an active framework meant to guide interventions for empowering youth for national development and participating in global affairs.

Mr Hadzide also participated in a panel discussion where he expounded on the importance of the new Youth Policy document, which he indicates is geared towards addressing extensively, the needs and aspirations of young persons in Ghana.

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Pius Enam Hadzide[/caption]

“The Youth Policy should be cross-cutting across all sectors. This is because the youth have become the aspirations across all the important sectors of the Ghanaian economy – including health, education, trade, commerce, employment and agriculture," he indicated.

He also added that the 2022-2032 Youth Policy framework has been developed through broad base consultations to include an implementation plan with measurable timelines, and that is not exclusive to the National Youth Authority, but rather positions the Authority to be able to track implementation across these valued sectors.

“This is because the new policy actually seeks to train and build the capacities of the youth of this country, preparing them to become better and successful citizens responsible and responsive to national development.” He added

The NYA CEO said this on the backdrop of issues raised concerning the amendment of the 2010 National Youth Policy framework, which he noted “looked only more like a strategic plan for the National Youth Authority”.

He further urged youth leaders, during an open forum on the topic of Leadership, to stay consistent with their actions, plans, messages and strategies.

Hon. Hadzide emphasised that consistency sets the tone for building trust between leaders and followers and that aspirants for leadership positions should not compromise their strategies for selfish intent.

He also seized the opportunity to announce to potential beneficiaries, the opening of government’s YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Application portal, set to be launched by Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. John Kumah on Monday, to aid in supporting youth-led businesses through a GHȼ1 billion entrepreneurship fund.

Other members of the panel included the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Hon. Sam Nartey George, former Deputy Minister for Transport, Joyce Bawah Mogtari Esq, Managing Director of Access Bank, Olumide Olatunji and Environmental Consultant, Dr Rashid Kwesi Etuaful.