Kandifo Institute engages international communities on youth development

The Czech Ambassador to Ghana, Ján Füry, says that the Ghanaian government should be glad that after 64 years of independence the youth are eager to join the governance conversation.

He believes there is a need for a dialogue between the young people and the government to see how best the issues raised by the recent #fixthecountry social media campaign would be addressed.

The diplomat made this call when officials of Kandifo Institute, led by its Executive Director, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, visited the Czech Embassy.

The visit was part of series of courtesy calls made by the Institute to engage international communities on youth development.

“I am happy seeing the youth wanting to be involved in the decision-making process in the country. It is important to have an avenue created for the youth to vent out their concerns,” said the ambassador.

Engagements

Kandifo Institute also paid courtesy calls on the Ambassadors of Spain, South Africa, Mexico and Peru.

At the Spanish Embassy, the Ambassador, Alicia Perez, and the Deputy Head of Missions, Rafael Rodriguez Ponga, were informed in details what the Institute stands for.

The leadership of the Institute looked forward to fostering a deeper relationship with Spain, particularly through the initiatives the Government of Spain has for the Ghanaian youth.

During a meeting with the Mexican Ambassador, Enrique Escorza, he disclosed that Mexico intends to engage the youth in diverse ways.

According to him, there will also be engagements with local community through art and gastronomy as they celebrate 60 years of relations between Mexico and Ghana.

He said there are various opportunities and scholarships for foreign students to study in Mexico, especially at the post-graduate level, which has however been put on hold due to the pandemic.

“I also intend to hold events showcasing the beautiful country, Mexico, to the people of Ghana to encourage Ghanaians to pay visit to Mexico since not many Ghanaians visit Mexico,” he said.

At the South African Embassy, there were discussions on the various opportunities that Institute and the South African High Commission could partner to work on in bringing transformation to the young people of Ghana.

The High Commissioner, Grace Jeanat Mason, expressed her preparedness to collaborate with the Institute to organise its first Nelson Mandela Lecture.

The visit to the Peruvian Embassy saw the diplomat, Abel Antonio Cardenas Tuppia, express his eagerness in building strong relations with the people of Peru and Ghana.

In his view, the world does not follow the rules of economics, and therefore it is important that young people continually seek knowledge as the world changes.

“A research think tank is the best thing to happen to Ghana, especially if it is led by young people, since think tanks provide knowledge,” he said.

Mr Tuppia also advised Ghanaians to embrace their culture and write more on the history and culture of the country.

Response

Mr Boakye-Danquah, in his interaction with the Spanish Ambassador, expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the Embassy on its initiative about youth development.

He believes the relationship between Kandifo Institute and the international communities in Ghana will be a great one not just for the Institute but, most importantly, for the youth in Ghana. He disclosed the recent five-year deal signed by the Institute and the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG).

“Kandifo Institute is the only think-tank in Ghana to have influence on over one million young people. This will create a platform where, together with the Ambassadors, we will be able to reach out to so many young people, train them and prepare them for their future roles as they help contribute to the development of both countries,” he said.