In a revealing interview on Kesmite Radio in Mankessim on the 9th of October, 2024, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), the running mate of Mr Alan Kyerematen, presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Movement, pledged a transformational focus on youth empowerment through heavy investment in sports and creative arts infrastructure.

KOD stressed that the youth hold untapped potential in these industries, which, if harnessed, could significantly reduce the alarming rate of youth unemployment in the country. “We have seen how sports and creative arts have transformed the lives of many young people globally; it’s time Ghana takes this seriously,” he emphasized.

KOD lamented that many young men and women are gifted with remarkable talents, but their families often lack the financial resources to help them fully develop those skills.

He revealed that Mr. Kyerematen’s government intends to prioritize these sectors as part of their comprehensive 10-point youth empowerment plan, designed to offer intellectual, financial, and economic support. “We will invest in the right infrastructure so that our youth can develop their talents and compete on the global stage,” KOD stated, pointing out that young people in other countries are excelling in sports and creative arts because of sustained government investment.

A key highlight of KOD’s interview was the introduction of a Creative Arts Fund, an initiative that will provide financial support exclusively to talented young people in Ghana’s burgeoning creative industries. “This fund will be a game-changer,” he said, “It will offer grants and low-interest loans to young Ghanaians who show promise in areas like music, film, fashion, and digital content creation. This is not just about empowering individuals; it’s about creating a vibrant creative economy that contributes to the national GDP.”

When asked about sports, KOD outlined a far-reaching vision that goes beyond Ghana’s traditional focus on football. While acknowledging the success football has brought to the country, he noted that other sports, such as athletics, boxing, and basketball, need equal attention. “We are going to build sports academies and world-class training facilities across the country to nurture talents in a variety of disciplines,” he promised. KOD recalled his own days as a footballer and musician, explaining that the opportunities for talent development were far more limited in his time. “Things are different today. Developing one’s talent is expensive, and that’s why government intervention is crucial,” he said.

But can the government truly provide all the resources necessary for this ambitious plan? KOD was confident, saying, “We will use a combination of public funding, private partnerships, and international sponsorship to build the infrastructure needed. Imagine how many jobs we can create, not just for athletes and artists, but for coaches, trainers, producers, and managers. It’s about creating a full ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.”

Beyond sports and creative arts, KOD also touched on the critical issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment. He revealed that Alan Kyerematen’s administration would implement a groundbreaking plan to formalize the activities of illegal miners. “We are going to group the youth into small-scale mining companies and provide them with the necessary equipment and financial support to operate legally and responsibly,” he explained. This, he added, will protect water bodies and forests while providing sustainable employment for thousands of young people.

KOD’s tour of the Central Region has sparked a powerful surge of enthusiasm, further elevating the Afrafranto Movement’s momentum. From Mankessim to surrounding towns, the passion of the people has been palpable as they rally behind KOD’s inspiring message of youth empowerment. His vision, particularly the focus on sports and creative arts, has resonated deeply with the region’s youth, who see in him a champion of their dreams. The excitement he has generated has fueled the Afrafranto wind, driving it higher and higher as it sweeps across the region, leaving no doubt that the movement is gaining unstoppable force.

So, what sets Alan Kyerematen’s vision apart from previous attempts to address youth unemployment? According to KOD, the answer lies in their commitment to long-term investment in infrastructure. “We are not just offering short-term solutions or one-off programs. We are laying the foundation for a future where every young Ghanaian with talent has the opportunity to succeed,” he concluded. With such bold plans, could the Afrafranto Movement finally unlock the full potential of Ghana’s youth?

As the 2024 election draws closer, the question remains: Will voters be swayed by this ambitious proposal for youth development, or will traditional political loyalties hold firm? One thing is certain—KOD and the Afrafranto Movement are betting big on the creative and athletic potential of Ghana’s next generation. Will Ghana’s youth seize this opportunity for a brighter future?