Hon. George Opare Addo (Esq.), Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, delivered a keynote address calling for renewed national commitment to investing in Ghana’s young people as a pathway to sustainable development. Speaking on the national theme “Investing in Ghana’s Future through Healthy, Skilled and Empowered Young People,” the Hon. Minister emphasized that Ghana’s youthful population presents a significant opportunity to harness the country’s demographic dividend and accelerate national transformation. He noted that with an estimated population of 34.4 million, Ghana’s young population remains one of its greatest assets. However, he cautioned that the demographic dividend is not automatic and requires deliberate investments in health, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and decent employment opportunities. The Hon. Minister highlighted challenges confronting young people, including unemployment, underemployment, the growing number of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET), limited access to entrepreneurial support, and barriers to sexual and reproductive health information and services. He outlined four key priority areas for youth development: promoting health and reproductive well-being, strengthening skills and innovation, creating decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and ensuring meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes. Hon. Opare Addo further stressed the importance of collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, traditional leaders and young people to create an enabling environment where every young Ghanaian can thrive. He urged stakeholders to embrace the principle of “Nothing for Us, Without Us,” emphasizing that young people must be active participants in shaping policies and programs that affect their future. The hon. Minister concluded by reaffirming that investing in healthy, skilled, innovative and empowered young people today will build a productive workforce, stronger communities and an inclusive Ghanaian economy for generations to come.