The challenge of youth participation in local Governance in ghana: a case study of the tamale Metropolis

Abstract

This study assesses the challenges of effective youth participation in local governance in Ghana, focusing specifically on the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly in the Northern region. It employed the qualitative research approach. The purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-two (22) respondents for the study. Primary data was gathered mainly via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study identified resource and capacity constraints, institutional barriers, and discrimination and prejudice as the key factors that undermine the effective participation of the youth in local governance in Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. The study also identified education, timely information dissemination, consultation and empowerment as measures to overcome these challenges. The study concludes that even though the youth appear to be enthusiastic about participating in local governance; their interest has been shrouded with multifaceted challenges. The study recommends that citizenship education and sensitisation should be embarked on to build the capacities of the youth. It is recommended that efforts should be made to provide employment opportunities for the youth in order to address the resource constraints. Finally, the study recommends to the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to regularly engage the youth and provide the platform for interactions and discussions.