UNFPA Ghana has received the National Youth Champion Award for its impact in youth leadership development through its flagship Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship Programme.
The recognition was conferred at the 2025 Head of State Awards ceremony in Accra, held under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama. The award highlights UNFPA Ghana’s exceptional commitment to advancing youth development at both national and international levels.
The event also honoured 336 young Ghanaians with Gold Awards under the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme.
The citation reads:
“You have contributed to the youth ecosystem through impactful partnerships, strategic resource mobilisation, and ethical values-driven leadership, upholding the principles of good governance, inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainability.”
Since its launch in 2018, the UNFPA Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship Programme has trained and mentored over 200 young Ghanaians across seven cohorts. The programme equips young people with leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement skills to actively participate in decision-making and contribute to national development.
Through mentorship, training, and practical exposure, fellows are now working across public service, civil society, and community initiatives. They are leading efforts in governance, health, and youth empowerment, while the growing alumni network continues to expand the programme’s reach across the country.
The award also reflects UNFPA Ghana’s broader investment in strengthening youth development systems. In partnership with national institutions, the organisation supported the development of a master’s degree in Youth Leadership and Development at the University of Ghana, helping to formalise youth leadership as an academic and professional field.
Additionally, youth development priorities have been integrated into national service engagement, reaching young people as they transition into the workforce.
“This recognition reflects clear results in how we are investing in young people. Through strong partnerships, we are equipping youth to lead, influence decisions, and drive change in their communities. Our focus now is to expand these opportunities and strengthen the systems that support youth leadership at scale,” said Dr. Wilfred Ochan, Country Representative of UNFPA Ghana.
The recognition comes at a time when youth remain central to Ghana’s development agenda. With a large youth population, investment in leadership, skills, and civic participation continues to be key to inclusive growth.
