(Far right) Mr. Desmond Mantey, MSCF Founder & CEO, in a photo with sports programme participants
The Martisans Sports and Cultural Foundation (MSCF), an Accra-based non-profit-making organisation, has emphasised the urgent need to engage and empower the country’s youth for sustainable development.
The call comes amidst growing concerns about the challenges facing Ghana’s youth and their role as future leaders in the nation.
In an interview with the Daily Statesman, the founder and CEO of MSCF, Desmond Kwame Mantey, highlighted the critical role that youth development programmes must play in Ghana’s socio-economic landscape. He underscored the necessity of concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s youth receive the support and opportunities required to reach their full potential.
“As the future leaders of our country, it is essential to provide our youth with the tools and opportunities they need to contribute to socio-economic and cultural development,” Mr Mantey stated.
He emphasised the importance of fostering awareness and promoting the rights and aspirations of young people, as advocated by the United Nations’ Focal Point on Youth.
Youth development
Mr. Mantey believes that youth-focused interventions should encompass programmes designed to develop the mental and physical abilities of young individuals while nurturing their talents and equipping them with valuable skills for the future.
He explained that positive youth development initiatives enhance various aspects of young people’s lives, including their self-identity, belief in the future, self-regulation, self-efficacy, as well as social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral competence.
He revealed that, in line with MSCF’s core mission of promoting youth development through sports and cultural activities, it would host a series of events specifically aimed at the youth along the coast of Accra in the coming months.
The CEO of MSCF also noted that the foundation intends to expand its artist development programme to other coastal areas of Accra and actively encourage female participation to promote gender equality and empower young girls through sports and cultural activities.
As an advocate of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr Mantey reaffirmed MSCF’s commitment to supporting the realization of these goals through sports and cultural activities.
“This dedication aligns with the broader international effort to foster peace, development, and inclusion by involving young people in decision-making processes and providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive,” he added.
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