As part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, Plan International, led by Beatrice Laari Dammigu, Speaker of the West Mamprusi Municipality Children’s Parliament, paid a courtesy call on the National Youth Authority (NYA). Beatrice, who served as Girl Takeover Minister for the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, led discussions focused on early marriage, drug abuse, and girl empowerment.
In her remarks, Beatrice Laari Dammigu emphasized that child marriage should never be tolerated, encouraged, or ignored. She highlighted the importance of providing safe and supportive learning environments to ensure that more girls have access to quality education and opportunities to thrive.
“Together, let’s create an enabling environment for children to live, learn, and lead,” she said.
Responding to the delegation, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, Esq., reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to inclusivity. He noted that the National Apprenticeship Programme intentionally includes females, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups to promote equal opportunity.
Mr. Ayariga also mentioned the Authority’s Red Means Stop campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among the youth. He assured the acting minister of the NYA’s continued support for initiatives that promote youth and girl-child empowerment.
