National Youth Authority (NYA) Chief Executive Officer Osman Ayariga has called for sustainable funding and stronger monitoring of youth peace initiatives to improve their effectiveness in Ghana and across West Africa.

He made the call at the ECOWAS Ministerial Consultation on Youth, Peace and Security held in Accra on October 27, 2026.

Ayariga stressed that efforts to involve young people in peacebuilding must be backed by adequate funding, effective coordination and proper monitoring to achieve lasting results.

He also highlighted the important role young people can play in preventing conflicts, promoting peaceful communities and strengthening security across the West African sub-region.

Ayariga Calls for Long-Term Funding

Ayariga said youth peace initiatives need reliable financial support to achieve their objectives and continue operating effectively.

Funding is essential for organising community programmes, training young people and creating opportunities for dialogue and conflict prevention.

Without consistent financial support, some initiatives may struggle to sustain their activities or achieve their intended goals.

He therefore emphasised the need for stakeholders to invest in youth-led programmes and provide the resources required to support their contribution to peace and security.

Stronger Monitoring and Accountability

The NYA chief executive also highlighted the need for effective monitoring to measure the progress and impact of youth peace initiatives.

He indicated that monitoring would help stakeholders assess whether programmes are achieving their objectives, identify challenges and make necessary improvements.

Accountability is equally important to ensure that funds allocated to these initiatives are used appropriately and produce measurable results.

Regular assessments would also help programme organisers identify successful approaches and address weaknesses in implementation.

Young People Have a Role in Maintaining Peace

Ayariga emphasised that young people should be actively involved in efforts to prevent conflict and promote peace.

Through community engagement, dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, young people can contribute to stability in their communities.

He also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people to participate in decisions affecting peace and security.

Providing the necessary resources and institutional support would help them contribute more effectively to addressing challenges in their communities.

Ghana Developing National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security

Ghana is developing its first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, according to information shared by Ayariga during the ECOWAS consultation.

The proposed plan is intended to strengthen youth participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and security initiatives.

It is also expected to provide a framework for involving young people in developing and implementing solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

The effectiveness of the plan will depend on its implementation, adequate funding and the involvement of relevant stakeholders.

Call for Greater Investment in Youth Peacebuilding

Ayariga’s remarks highlight the need for long-term investment, stronger coordination and effective monitoring to improve youth peace initiatives.

Sustained support could help youth organisations implement their programmes, assess their impact and contribute to efforts to prevent conflict.

As Ghana and other West African countries work to strengthen peace and security, ensuring that young people have the resources and opportunities to participate will remain important.

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