From Tradition To Global Service: Nana Amoah Kwedwo II Leads UN Youth Network In Ghana

Hon. Dr. Hadji Mustaphar, known in traditional circles as Nana Amoah Kwedwo II, has officially assumed office as the Country Head for Ghana of the International Youth Network for the United Nations Security Council (IYN-UNSC), marking a significant moment for youth leadership, peacebuilding, and governance in the country.

Speaking at his commissioning ceremony before government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, civil society actors, and members of the press, Hon. Mustaphar described his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility — not just to himself, but to the people of Ghana and to future generations.

 

 

 

Youth at the Center of Peace and Governance

At the heart of Hon. Mustaphar’s vision is a firm belief that young people must move from the margins to the center of national development and peacebuilding. He noted that while Africa remains the youngest continent in the world, its youth continue to face unemployment, inequality, conflict, and limited opportunities for participation in governance.

According to him, the real question is no longer whether young people will shape Africa’s future, but whether they will be empowered to do so positively.
To address this, the IYN-UNSC under his leadership plans to roll out several strategic initiatives in Ghana.

Traditional Youth Courts and a National Youth Parliament
One of the key proposals outlined is the establishment of Traditional Youth Courts — community-based platforms designed to promote restorative justice, dialogue, accountability, and peaceful conflict resolution among young people. Hon. Mustaphar emphasized that these courts are not meant to replace Ghana’s formal judicial system, but to complement it by strengthening social cohesion at the grassroots level.

 

In addition, plans are underway to establish a Youth Parliament, which will provide young Ghanaians with practical exposure to legislative processes, policy engagement, and democratic leadership. The initiative aims to prepare young citizens to participate meaningfully in national discourse and public service.
“Democracy grows stronger when young people are informed, prepared, and actively involved,” he stated.
Skills, Jobs, and Economic Empowerment
Recognizing that peace cannot be sustained without economic opportunity, Hon. Mustaphar announced plans to support the creation of Rehabilitation and Skills Training Centres across the country. These centres will focus on vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and life skills, particularly targeting young people at risk of marginalization.
The initiative is expected to contribute to crime prevention, social reintegration, and economic resilience, while aligning with Ghana’s broader development and job-creation agenda.
“Peace without livelihoods is fragile, and development without inclusion is unsustainable,” he noted.

Strengthening Institutions and Leadership
To ensure accountability and sustainability, the new Country Head pledged to establish a clear and inclusive leadership structure at national, regional, and community levels. This structure will emphasize transparency, mentorship, ethical leadership, and intergenerational collaboration.
Central to this framework will be a fully operational Ghana Country Office, which will serve as the coordination hub for planning, partnerships, monitoring, and alignment with national priorities, ECOWAS frameworks, and the broader United Nations agenda.
Ghana’s Role in Regional and Global Peace Placing Ghana’s efforts in a wider African context, Hon. Mustaphar reflected on ongoing conflicts and instability in parts of the continent, including South Sudan and Nigeria, and the heavy toll these crises take on young people, women, and families.
He praised Ghana for its democratic resilience, regional diplomacy, and consistent commitment to peacekeeping and human rights, describing the country as a stabilizing force within West Africa and beyond.

A Commitment to Service
As he officially begins his tenure, Hon. Dr. Hadji Mustaphar pledged to serve with integrity, transparency, and dedication, working closely with government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and local communities.

“Young people must not be seen only as beneficiaries of development,” he said. “They must be recognized as architects of solutions.”

He expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana, the United Nations family, and development partners for the confidence placed in him, reaffirming his commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that Ghana continues to stand as a symbol of peace, stability, and opportunity.

 

 

 

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