On Sunday, 27th October 2024, the Changemakers Pact (CMP) launch convened an inspiring array of leaders, advocates, and influencers dedicated to setting a transformative path for Ghana’s future. Held online via Zoom, the event opened doors to impactful dialogue, collaboration, and youth empowerment, with prominent voices from Ghana’s political, traditional, and youth sectors leading the conversation.
The event, moderated by Ruth Doe Terkutei, began with a warm welcome and introduction of dignitaries, setting an energetic and collaborative tone. Dr. Frank Antwi, Chairperson of the CMP Launch, shared his insights, emphasizing the importance of collective action to tackle Ghana’s socio-economic challenges. Richmond Anane-Simon, CMP’s convener, underscored the Pact’s vision of fostering collaboration, detailing its objectives to guide political commitments, establish performance benchmarks, and set up a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress.
Influential speakers added depth to the event, including Nana Ansah Kwao IV, Chief of Akwamu Adumasa, who highlighted the need for unity in governance. He advocated for a governance system that prioritizes national interests over political affiliations, encouraging youth to hold leaders accountable and work towards a cohesive Ghana. Echoing similar sentiments, Chairman. Kobina Ade-Coker, representing the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), addressed the urgency of resetting Ghana’s governance and economic systems to address debt crises and create sustainable jobs. He also emphasized his H.E John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to the principles of the pact.
Representing The New Force Movement, Charles Yomekpe- outlined his party’s twelve pillars, including plans for industrialization, water transportation, energy expansion, and environmental protection and his flagbearer’s commitment to the principles of the pact. Mr. Kofi Koranteng of the New Vision Movement stressed the importance of accountable leadership, emphasizing structural reforms as essential for meaningful change. He emphasized his commitment to the principles of the pact and his willingness to execute the terms thereof. Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana committed to prioritizing youth empowerment, promising a $10 billion fund to support young entrepreneurs and also emphasized his commitment to the principles of the changemakers pact.
Youth leaders also shared inspiring messages. Joseph Opoku-Agyemang, President of Ghana STEM Network and Co-founder of IOT Network Hub, emphasized the importance of AI and robotics in national transformation agenda for young people, pledging his network’s support for CMP’s accountability initiatives. Akorfa Daniella, an advocate for environmental sustainability, congratulated CMP’s convener and urged youth to prioritize national interests over party loyalty. Akorfa Daniella, concerned about the devasting effect of Galamsey on water bodies called for a non-partisan approach towards finding a lasting solution to the menace.
An engaging Q&A session allowed participants to interact with leaders, fostering thought-provoking discussions on Ghana’s future, economy, education, and environmental sustainability. The event concluded with Dr. Antwi’s closing remarks, inspiring all attendees to recognize CMP as the beginning of a journey toward national transformation. Presidential Candidates were given up to the 30th of November to sign the pact. The CMP Team will publish a list of candidates who have fully consented to the principles of the pact on the 1st of December 2024 ahead of the polls on 7th December and shall encourage the electorate especially the youth to vote for only candidates who have signed. The convener also called for partnerships and collaboration from, civil society, international organizations, academic institutions to join hands with the CMP team in implementing the terms of the pact.
The Changemakers Pact launch marked a pivotal moment, bringing together leaders and youth to work collaboratively for Ghana’s future. The event reinforced the need for integrity, unity, and accountability in governance, focusing on building a system that prioritizes Ghana’s welfare above all else. With CMP’s vision now set, leaders and citizens alike are committed to championing a progressive, inclusive, and resilient future for Ghana.