Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has challenged the long-standing narrative that African youth are merely “leaders of tomorrow”, insisting that young people are ready to take up leadership roles now.
Mr Ayariga said young people should stop waiting for an undefined future and instead demand opportunities to contribute to governance, national development and decision-making today.
Speaking on Day Two of the 2026 National Youth Conference at the KNUST Great Hall in Kumasi, he said the message from the National Youth Authority was clear: “the action is now.”
“Every day we hear, African youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but I’m here to tell you that the African youth is ready to take over the mantle of leadership. Not tomorrow, but today,” Mr Ayariga said.
He explained that the future was uncertain, making it important for young people to take advantage of opportunities available to them rather than being confined to the role of future leaders.
“That’s why when you change the youth chant, you say the action is now and not the future because the future is unknown,” he said.
“I can tell you without a shred of doubt that the youth of today are ready to take over the mantle of leadership,” he added.
Mr Ayariga, however, urged young people who find themselves in leadership positions to demonstrate discipline, responsibility and integrity.
“I call on all young people, whether in government or in the classroom or the street or in Parliament, live responsibly and live well,” he said.
