The Regional Institute for Population Studies is hosting a policy dialogue with the theme “The Youth Bulge: Implications for the Demographic Dividend and Sustainable Development”
The dialogue aims to bring together population scientists, policy-makers and planners to discuss Ghana’s youthful population and the demographic dividend (the economic benefit that countries can gain from changes in population structure). There will be a brief lecture providing an overview of the demographic dividend and how to harness the dividend followed by a panel discussion of experts speaking on the impact of Ghana’s youthful population structure on economic growth and sustainable development.
The policy dialogue focuses on a critical issue for Ghana’s development. The Ghana Statistical Service estimates that approximately 57% of the Ghanaian population is under the age of 25 (38.2% are 0-14 years and 18.7% are 15-24 years). Such a high percent of young people has the potential for both positive and negative outcomes. Research from other contexts has indicated that in youthful populations there is greater risk of social unrest, crime, conflict and terrorism arising from difficult economic and social conditions. It is important that nations try to take advantage of the young population by providing skills development and creating jobs to harness the economic benefits of a youthful age structure.
Details of the event can be found at www.rips-ug.edu.gh
Draft programme
09:00 -10:00 Arrival and registration
10:00 - 10:05 Opening prayer
10:05 - 10:10 Welcome note Prof. Joseph A. Yaro
10:10 - 10:15 Introduction of chairperson Dr. Adriana Biney
10:15 - 10:25 Chairperson's remarks Dr. Kwame Ampomah
10:25 - 10:30 RIPS overview Dr. Mumuni Abu
10:30 - 10:45 Presentation on the Demographic Dividend/Bust Dr. Faustina Frempong-Ainguah
10:45 - 11:00 Partners’ remarks UNFPA/GSS/Pop Council
11:00 - 12:00 Panel discussion Raymond Acquah (Moderator) Prof. Stephen .Owusu Kwankye (panelist) Dr. Ayaga Bawah (panelist) NPC rep (panelist) NDPC rep (panelist)
12:00 - 12:30 Open forum
12:30 - 12:45 Chairperson's closing remarks