President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaian youth to take ownership of the Reset Agenda, describing them as active leaders driving national renewal, not passive beneficiaries.
In his New Year address to the nation on Thursday evening, Mahama said young people are central to Ghana’s recovery and long-term transformation, stressing that their ideas, energy and initiative will determine the success of the reset project.
“Our young people: You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today,” the President said.
He challenged the youth to move beyond expectation and become drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving, arguing that Ghana’s future cannot be built without their direct involvement.
“Take ownership of this Reset Agenda. Innovate. Create and build. Ghana needs your energy, your ideas, your commitment,” Mahama stated.
The President linked the call to growing opportunities emerging from recent economic improvements, noting that sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture and services are showing renewed growth and generating employment prospects.
He said these gains were the result of deliberate reforms under the Reset Agenda, which aims to stabilise the economy while expanding opportunities for young people.
“We are accelerating economic growth and creating more opportunities for our young people,” Mahama said.
Mahama noted that infrastructure investment, including the rehabilitation of more than 2,000 kilometres of roads and the expansion of electricity access, is intended to support youth-led enterprise and productivity across the country.
He also highlighted plans to digitalise education and equip classrooms with 21st-century learning tools, describing education as a foundation for youth empowerment and competitiveness in a changing global economy.
“Every child deserves a world-class education,” the President said, adding that technology-driven learning will be a priority going into 2026.
Addressing youth migration, Mahama said the reset agenda is focused on building opportunities at home to reduce the desperation that pushes young people to risk dangerous journeys abroad.
“I see a Ghana where our young people don’t have to risk their lives crossing the Sahara or the Mediterranean in search of opportunities because opportunities abound right here at home,” he said.
He called on young Ghanaians to reject cynicism and political apathy, stressing that national transformation requires participation rather than spectatorship.
Mahama maintained that the Reset Agenda belongs to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, but said the youth, as the largest and most dynamic segment of the population, must lead by example.
He urged them to channel their talents into nation-building, insisting that Ghana’s renewal will only be sustained if young people step forward to shape it.
