The Deputy Minister Designate for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey has called on government to tap into the energy from the youth for development.
The Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region said the youth in this country have a lot to offer.
“Our nation, like many across Africa, is blessed with a young and vibrant demographic, with approximately 57% of our citizens under the age of 25,” she noted.
Madam Affo-Toffey made the call in a statement on the floor of Parliament on World Population Day 2025, on July 11.
She said this year’s theme, “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World”, calls for significant emphasis on fostering national and global conversations that highlight the impact of population dynamics on socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and the overall wellbeing of individuals and families.
“Mr. Speaker, Ghana’s population is currently estimated at over 33 million — a figure that reflects both tremendous opportunity and immense responsibility. This youthful population presents us with a powerful demographic dividend, but it can only be realized through bold and intentional policy decisions. Population growth, in itself, is not a threat. On the contrary, it can be a strategic asset,” the MP added.
Madam Affo-Toffey added that “a growing population brings the promise of an expanded workforce, a more dynamic consumer base, and greater national potential, however, it equally demands that we scale up our systems to meet the rising need for education, healthcare, housing, clean water, sanitation, employment, and security”.
“Mr. Speaker, our response to this challenge must be strategic, inclusive, and forward-looking. We must prioritize investment in health — especially in maternal and reproductive health services. Empowering individuals and families with access to accurate information and quality services enables informed decisions about family planning, child spacing, and personal well-being. At the same time, our education sector must be restructured to match the demands of the 21st century,” she suggested.
She explained that “we must ensure that every child — regardless of background or location — has access to inclusive, quality education from basic to tertiary levels. Special focus must be given to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which offers young people practical skills and job readiness in a competitive global market”.
The Deputy Minister designate said “Mr. Speaker, central to this conversation is the empowerment of women and girls. Their inclusion and advancement are not just matters of justice — they are prerequisites for sustainable development. Keeping girls in school, ending early marriage, and safeguarding them from all forms of abuse are key to building resilient families and prosperous communities”.
“When women and girls are empowered, nations thrive. We must also accelerate efforts to expand decent employment opportunities for our youth. The creation of jobs must grow in tandem with our population. Support for entrepreneurship, skills development, and private sector partnerships will be vital to unlocking innovation and productivity across sectors”, she added.
Madam Affo-Toffey admitted that “we face undeniable challenges — from urban congestion and environmental degradation to the mounting pressure on infrastructure and social services, but these are not insurmountable”.
“They require deliberate planning, coordinated policy interventions, and a long-term vision rooted in equity, resilience, and sustainability and as we observe World Population Day 2025, let us remember that population management is not about numbers — it is about people. It is about creating conditions that allow every Ghanaian to live with dignity, to access opportunities, and to contribute meaningfully to our national journey”.
The MP “called on all Honourable Members and stakeholders — from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector — to work together in building a Ghana where our population is not seen as a challenge, but as a dynamic force for national development, creativity, and progress”.
