In a powerful symbol of girl leadership and empowerment, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, in partnership with Plan International Ghana, has launched the 2025 edition of The Girl Takeover to mark the International Day of the Girl.
This year’s celebration, themed “Let me be a child, not a wife; Girls’ Experience of Living through Child Marriage,” seeks to amplify girls’ voices, promote young women’s leadership, and raise awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage.
As part of the program, 15-year-old Beatrice Laari Dammigu, Speaker of the West Mamprusi Children’s Parliament in the North East Region, symbolically assumed the role of Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment at Hon. Opare-Addo’s office in Accra.
The takeover gave Beatrice a rare opportunity to experience leadership firsthand and engage directly with policymakers on issues affecting girls nationwide. Upon arrival, she was received by the Minister’s secretary and briefed on the operations of the Ministry’s five key agencies, the National Youth Authority, Youth Employment Agency, National Service Authority, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, and the Scholarship Secretariat.
Hon. Opare-Addo praised the initiative as a vital platform for nurturing young leaders.
“This is what leadership is all about grooming young people, giving them the opportunity to lead, and making them feel part of the process,” he said.
During her leadership session, Beatrice raised key issues affecting young people in her community, including child labour, teenage pregnancy, and drug abuse.
“Some families still view child marriage as a tradition. If there were more sensitization and education, it would help reduce it,” she explained.
She also appealed for improved educational infrastructure.
“I attend the only girls’ school in my municipality, but we share facilities with another school. If the Ministry could work with the Ghana Education Service to build a proper school, more girls could be enrolled and trained to become leaders,” she urged.
Hon. Opare-Addo commended her advocacy and assured her that her concerns would reach President John Dramani Mahama.
“We will take Walewale as a special case because of the passionate appeal you’ve made,” he promised.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to youth inclusion and gender equality.
“Almost every policy implemented through this Ministry ensures at least 50 percent women’s participation,” he said. “If we are not intentional about empowering women, we will leave too many behind. Ghana now has its first female Vice-President, and that should inspire us to open more doors for young girls to lead.”
Later, Beatrice met with the CEO of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga, to discuss youth empowerment, ending child marriage, and drug abuse prevention. Mr. Ayariga highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Food and Drugs Authority and pharmaceutical bodies to curb substance abuse among young people.
“Legally sold drugs are being misused to get high. We are working with the FDA and other partners to enforce regulations while intensifying advocacy and rehabilitation through our Youth Resource Centres,” he explained.
The 2025 Girl Takeover concluded with Beatrice’s meetings in Accra, a strong reminder that when girls are empowered and given the right platform, they can lead, inspire, and drive meaningful change in society.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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