Over 300 young people from across the Yendi Municipality gathered on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Yendi Senior High School Assembly Hall for the maiden edition of the Yendi Youth Summit, a flagship youth empowerment event hosted by Yendi Youth Connect (YYC). The summit, held under the theme “Empowering Youth for Sustainable Change: Fostering Leadership, Innovation, and Collaboration to Drive Positive Transformation in Our Communities,” brought together students, emerging leaders, civil society actors, and development stakeholders in a unified call for greater youth involvement in shaping the future of Yendi.
The event marked a significant milestone for youth engagement in the Northern Region, particularly in a municipality where unemployment, limited opportunities, and underrepresentation of youth voices continue to pose development challenges. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, breakout workshops, cultural performances, and networking opportunities, the Yendi Youth Summit offered a dynamic platform for reflection, learning, and mobilization.
Empowering a Generation: Summit Objectives and Vision
Organized by Yendi Youth Connect, a youth-led non-governmental organization rooted in community-based development, the summit was designed to inspire, inform, and ignite leadership potential among young people. According to the organizers, the core aim was to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to become active change agents in their schools, communities, and broader society.
In an opening statement, the Executive Director of YYC, Abdul-Latif Umar Mohammed, noted that the summit was more than a one-day event. “It is a movement—a movement that believes that the future of Yendi depends on how well we prepare, inspire, and include our youth today,” he said.
Diverse and Engaging Sessions
The summit featured a range of carefully curated sessions intended to address the multifaceted realities of youth in the Yendi area. Panel discussions focused on education, entrepreneurship, youth advocacy, and civic participation. Workshops were organized to provide practical tools in areas such as business development, leadership skills, and personal growth.
One of the central highlights was the interactive question and answer sessions between the participants and speakers. These engagements allowed for honest dialogue about the challenges facing young people—from limited job opportunities to gender inequality—and provided a forum for discussing innovative, youth-led solutions.
Participants described the sessions as both inspiring and informative. “I appreciated the opportunity to ask questions directly to speakers who have walked the journey I aspire to take,” remarked a student from Dagbon State Senior High School.
Powerful Contributions from Guest Speakers
The summit attracted a distinguished lineup of speakers who brought a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. Among them was Mr. Abdulai Yakubu, who delivered a compelling address urging the youth to take responsibility for their lives and communities. He emphasized that Yendi’s development will be driven by young people who embrace resilience, critical thinking, and self-leadership.
Ms. Wunnam Huzaifa Adam Mahama, a lawyer and advocate for women’s empowerment, captivated the audience with her reflections on intentionality and perseverance. Drawing from her personal experiences, she called on the youth, particularly young women, to embrace their full potential and not be deterred by social or cultural barriers.
Mr. Nathaniel Adam Jnr., an entrepreneur and community development practitioner, challenged attendees to view entrepreneurship not just as a means of livelihood but as a tool for social transformation. He encouraged young people to identify local problems and turn them into opportunities for impact and economic growth.
Each speaker received a citation from YYC in recognition of their outstanding contribution to youth empowerment and community development.
Cultural Expression and Artistic Performances
The summit was also marked by rich cultural presentations that celebrated the heritage of Yendi. Students from Lucky Star Academy performed traditional dance and drama pieces that highlighted social issues while reinforcing cultural pride and identity. These performances added depth to the summit’s message, reminding attendees that community development must be rooted in an appreciation of local traditions and values.
“The drama and dance performances reminded us that our culture is not a barrier to progress, but a foundation for it,” commented a teacher from Yendi Girls Junior High School.
Strong Community and Institutional Representation
The summit attracted participation from a wide range of schools, including Yendi Senior High School, Dagbon State Senior High School, Al-Maktoum Senior High School, Yendi College of Science and Technology, St. Vincent College of Education, and several junior high schools in the municipality. Youth groups such as CAMFED and the Concerned Citizens of Yendi were also actively engaged.
Beyond youth organizations and schools, the summit received substantial support from community stakeholders and private sponsors. Notably, the Yendi Senior High School management provided the venue and logistical support. Twillium Industries Ltd. contributed beverages and bottled water, while Soochi Enterprise and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) supported with sachet water.
Local design and photography firm AL Section handled the summit’s media coverage and branding, enhancing its visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Individual Champions and Sponsors
A number of individuals contributed generously to make the event a reality. These included Professor Ramatu, Abdul Wahab, Mr. Mubarik Abdul Wahab of Minhad Enterprise, Mr. Baba Suleman of Ta-ha Enterprise, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, Chief Alhassan Shaani Mahama, Hon. Abdul Fatawu Alhassan, Mr. Lukman Kawsar, and Mr. Abdul Rahman Shamsudeen. Their contributions ranged from financial support to in-kind services and public endorsement.
Each sponsor was publicly acknowledged during the event and recognized for their commitment to youth development in the Yendi Municipality.
Transformational Outcomes and Community Impact
Organizers and attendees alike reported that the Yendi Youth Summit delivered more than just inspiration; it initiated real change. Several participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to taking action within their schools and communities.
Post-event feedback highlighted that attendees left with practical knowledge and personal insights that could shape their future paths. Some reported forming peer mentorship groups, while others indicated plans to start small community initiatives based on what they had learned.
“Before the summit, I was unsure about my future, but now I feel more confident and motivated to pursue my goals,” said a female student from Al-Maktoum Senior High School.
The summit also served as a catalyst for greater collaboration between youth groups and local leaders. Discussions are already underway to establish permanent youth development clubs in participating schools, with support from YYC and partner organizations.
Moving Forward: What Comes Next?
Following the success of the 2024 summit, Yendi Youth Connect is planning to institutionalize the event as an annual platform for youth development and civic engagement. Plans are in motion to expand future editions to include more participants from neighboring districts and incorporate additional sessions on digital literacy, climate action, and vocational skills development.
YYC also aims to document the stories of participants and build a follow-up support system that tracks youth progress after the summit. This will include mentorship opportunities, mini-grants for youth-led initiatives, and ongoing training sessions throughout the year.
“We are not stopping here,” said Abdul-Latif Umar Mohammed. “This is just the beginning. We are building a movement of empowered, informed, and united young people who can transform not just Yendi, but Northern Ghana as a whole.”
A Testament to Possibility
The Yendi Youth Summit 2024 stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when young people are given the opportunity, space, and support to lead. It demonstrated that youth are not just beneficiaries of development—they are its architects.
By bringing together voices from different backgrounds, sparking new ideas, and fostering community spirit, the summit has laid a strong foundation for sustained youth engagement in the Yendi Municipality. As the echoes of speeches and the energy of cultural drums fade from the halls of Yendi SHS, one thing remains clear: the youth of Yendi are ready to rise—and the future is in capable hands.
