As the world marked International Youth Day 2026 on Tuesday, Alfred Freddy Kotogbor, Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, UK-Ireland Chapter, has called on young people in Ghana and across the diaspora to remain engaged, organised and committed to shaping the country’s future.
In a statement issued to commemorate the day, Mr. Kotogbor said this year’s global theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” captures the shared hopes of young people regardless of where they live.
‘Our Aspirations Remain The Same’
Mr. Kotogbor noted that although young Ghanaians face different realities at home and abroad, their core aspirations are strikingly similar.
“This year’s theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,’ reminds us that although young people come from different backgrounds and face different realities, our aspirations remain remarkably similar: opportunity, decent employment, quality education, inclusion, dignity and a meaningful voice in shaping our future,” he stated.
He said the day should be used to celebrate “the energy, courage and determination of our generation” in Ghana, the United Kingdom, Ireland and across the world.
Mahama’s Leadership Cited As Example Of Common Purpose
The NDC UK-Ireland Youth Organiser linked the theme to the party’s political direction, saying it resonates strongly with the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
“For us in the National Democratic Congress, this message resonates strongly with the political journey and success of President John Dramani Mahama,” he said.
“His return to national leadership demonstrates what can be achieved when people are united around a common purpose and a shared vision for progress.”
Mr. Kotogbor added that President Mahama has consistently emphasised that Africa’s future depends on unlocking the potential of its young people, and that youth must be placed at the center of national development.
Diaspora Youth Urged To Drive Participation And Leadership
Speaking in his capacity as Youth Organiser for the NDC in the UK and Ireland, Mr. Kotogbor said the responsibility of party youth structures is to convert the aspirations of young people into concrete opportunities for participation, leadership and development.
“Whether a young Ghanaian is in Accra, Kumasi, London, Dublin or anywhere else in the world, we may live in different contexts, but we share the aspiration of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ghana,” he said.
He urged NDC youth both at home and in the diaspora to play active roles in party organization, policy discussions, and community development initiatives.
Call To Action: ‘Our Voices Matter’
In his message, Mr. Kotogbor called on young people to reject apathy and take ownership of the country’s democratic and development processes.
“On this International Youth Day, I call on young people to remain engaged, organised and determined. Our voices matter, our ideas matter, and our participation is essential to the future of our party and our country,” he said.
He concluded with the rallying statement: “Different Contexts. Common Aspirations. One Generation. One Ghana. One Future.”
The statement ended with the NDC slogan “Eye Zu! Eye Za!”
International Youth Day is observed globally on August 12 each year to highlight the contributions of young people and the challenges they face in education, employment, civic engagement and social inclusion.
