The Speaker of the Sunyani Adolescent Parliament, Daniel Sarkodie Frimpong has called for stronger adolescent participation in governance and city planning, stressing that young people should be regarded as active partners in development rather than mere beneficiaries.
He made the call at the Close-Out and Learning Summit of the Resilient City for Adolescents (RCA) Project held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel in Sunyani under the theme: “From Participation to Systems Change: Strengthening Adolescent-Responsive Cities.”
Mr. Frimpong said the three-year project had empowered adolescents and transformed their understanding of leadership, civic responsibility and their role in community development.
“Adolescents are not only beneficiaries of development. We are active partners in building healthy, safe and resilient cities,” he stated.
According to him, prior to the implementation of the project, many adolescents felt disconnected from governance and decision-making processes because they believed policy discussions and development planning were the responsibility of only adults.
He explained that through the establishment of the Sunyani Adolescent Parliament and other engagement platforms under the project, young people were given opportunities to build leadership and advocacy skills while engaging directly with authorities and stakeholders.
Mr. Frimpong said the project equipped adolescents with skills in public speaking, communication, teamwork, accountability and responsible engagement with institutions.
He noted that through parliamentary sittings, community forums, media engagements and meetings with stakeholders, adolescents discussed critical issues affecting young people, including education, sanitation, unemployment, safe spaces, adolescent wellbeing and youth participation in governance.
The Speaker further highlighted the project’s contribution to skills development, saying several adolescents had acquired employable skills in fashion design, information and communication technology (ICT), journalism, hairdressing, baking, beading and soap making.
Mr. Frimpong urged stakeholders not to allow the gains made under the RCA project to diminish with its conclusion.
He called for the strengthening of the Adolescent Parliament, increased adolescent participation in city development planning, greater investment in adolescent wellbeing and safe spaces, and stronger inclusion of young people in governance and development processes.
He also urged fellow adolescents to continue demonstrating leadership and contribute positively to society.
“The RCA Project has opened doors for us, but it is our responsibility to continue walking through those doors with purpose, discipline and vision,” he said.
Mr. Frimpong expressed appreciation to the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), consortium partners, the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Initiative, Fondation Botnar, Ecorys UK, Sunyani Municipal and Sunyani West Municipal assemblies and other stakeholders especially the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service and National Youth Authority for supporting adolescent participation and empowerment initiatives throughout the project implementation.
