For over three years, young people in Koforidua have been leading grassroots movements aimed at transforming their city through advocacy, accountability, and civic participation. Driven by a bold vision to empower young people as leaders of local change, the KofKro “Our City” initiative has ignited a movement of civic-minded youth who are redefining what it means to participate in governance and community development.
At the heart of this transformation is the Action for Youth Development (AfYD) project, supported by STAR-Ghana Foundation under the global Fondation Botnar-funded “Our City” programme—implemented in Ghana, Ecuador, Romania, Tanzania, and Colombia. In Koforidua, the initiative has grown into a dynamic platform where young people are not only raising their voices but are also leading the charge for inclusive, responsive, and accountable governance.
Their work has already resulted in tangible change, from championing inclusive education to advocating for better recreational spaces and addressing critical social concerns such as substance abuse and youth employability.
By amplifying youth voices in governance, the initiative ensures that leadership structures remain accountable and responsive to the needs of the next generation.
From Passive Observers to Active Citizens
What began as a small circle of youth leaders has evolved into a vibrant network of changemakers mobilizing across schools, communities, and municipal spaces. Through carefully structured activities like community learning exercises, youth parliaments, inclusive education forums, and town hall meetings, these young citizens have taken ownership of their future—speaking out on issues that affect them and demanding action from decision-makers.
One such milestone was the Community Action Learning Exercise, facilitated by AfYD and STAR-Ghana Foundation. Here, youth engaged with assembly members, unit committee representatives, and municipal officials in a four-step process: identifying community problems, planning solutions, acting, and reflecting on outcomes. The initiative provided young people with the tools to lead, while inviting adults in positions of power to listen, support, and learn.
In another bold step, youth convened a Parliamentary Sitting, where they presented critical issues to local authorities—calling for a Youth Resource Centre, a renovated Jackson’s Park, and urgent interventions to address rising drug abuse, including the widespread use of Tramadol 225mg. By bringing together healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and policymakers, the session marked a turning point in how youth influence public discourse in Koforidua.
Inclusive Platforms, Inclusive Futures
True to its vision of leaving no one behind, the initiative also created space for youth with disabilities through an Inclusive Education Forum. Hosted at the Nsukwao School for the Deaf and supported by partners such as BBF and DMAC, the forum unpacked systemic barriers and called for more inclusive policies, infrastructure, and resources to support learners with disabilities. This emphasis on equity has been a cornerstone of the KofKro approach, making youth-led governance more diverse and representative.
The engagement reached its peak during a Youth Town Hall Meeting with the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly. Framed around the Koforidua Youth Manifesto—a product of months of consultation and dialogue—the meeting focused on key priorities such as education, employment, civic participation, and entrepreneurship. The presence of municipal authorities, including the Eastern Regional Minister and Municipal Chief Executive, signalled growing political will to work with the youth constituency on equal footing.
A Moment of Reflection: Board Members Witness the Impact
On May 30, 2025, the Board of Fondation Botnar visited Koforidua to witness the initiative’s impact firsthand. Led by Board Chair Elsbeth Müller, the delegation engaged with young leaders and stakeholders across multiple platforms.
For many board members, especially new ones, this was their first direct encounter with the KofKro “Our City” project. They observed the confidence, clarity, and commitment with which the youth presented their achievements and concerns. The visit was not just a ceremonial event but a moment of mutual learning and reflection.
Some board members expressed admiration for the depth of youth involvement and the tangible progress made over a relatively short period. They saw how an investment in meaningful youth engagement can yield concrete outcomes: stronger communities, more inclusive policies, and a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate the future.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Youth-Led Development
The AfYD project is entering its next phase, shifting focus toward youth well-being, entrepreneurship, and employability. Young people are not just participants—they are leaders shaping local policies, launching initiatives, and driving sustainable development.
As STAR-Ghana Foundation and its partners continue strengthening platforms for youth engagement, the commitment remains clear: young people are at the heart of transformational change.
The future of Koforidua’s development will be shaped by the youth who dare to lead—and the movement they’ve built will continue growing, fostering an environment where youth voices are heard, valued, and empowered to take action.
