ANNUAL REPORT
‘25
EMPOWERING YOUTH, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
Table of Contents Acronyms
1
Section 1: About YEFL
2
Who we are
3
How we drive change
4
SFA 1: Youth Economic Empowerment & Employment
4
SFA 2: Youth Mobilizing for Change
4
SFA 3: Youth Climate Awareness and Resilience Building
4
SFA4: Youth Voices and Civic Engagement
5
SFA 5: Youth, Peace and Security
5
SFA 6: Arts, Cultural Exchange and Sports for Development
5
Section 2: Leadership Reflection
6
Statement from Executive Council Chairperson
7
Message from the Executive Director
8
Executive Council
9
Section 3: 2025 Impact at a glance Geographic Footprint Section 4: Program Impact by Strategic Focus Areas
10 11 12
SFA 1: YOUTH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT & EMPLOYMENT
13
Stories behind the numbers
14
SFA 2: Youth Mobilizing for Change
17
Stories behind the numbers
19
SFA 3: Youth Climate Awareness and Resilience Building
21
Stories behind the numbers
23
SFA4: Youth Voices and Civic Engagement
25
Stories behind the numbers
26
SFA 5: Youth Peace and Security
29
Stories behind the numbers
32
SFA 6: Arts, Cultural Exchange and Sports for Development
33
Stories behind the numbers
35
Section 5: Partnerships and Donor Support
36
Section 6: Financial Performance
38
Revenue Sources (FY 2025)
39
Expenditure by Program Area
39
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Acronyms CAP CAAP CDKN CFLI CJ CLEAR CLIP CRS CSO DACF DANIDA DFO E4L EU FILMA FUYAG FY GES GHS GNA GV LMA MEAL MTDP NAP NDC NHIS NYA PASP PWD RTI RYN SDGs SEAH SFA SILC SPAM SPIP ToT TTH TVET UDS UN VSLA WASH YCR YEA YEB YEFL
Climate Activist Program Community Adaptation Action Plan Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Community Journalist Citizen-led Action for Educational Accountability and Responsiveness Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships Catholic Relief Services Civil Society Organization District Assembly Common Fund Danish International Development Agency District Field Officer Empowerment for Life European Union Financial Inclusion for Last Mile Actors Fulani Youth Association of Ghana Fiscal Year Ghana Education Service Ghana Health Service Ghana News Agency Ghana Friends Last Mile Actors Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Medium-Term Development Plan National Adaptation Plan National Democratic Congress National Health Insurance Scheme National Youth Authority Private Agricultural Service Provider Person with Disability Right to Information Regional Youth Network Sustainable Development Goals sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment Strategic Focus Area Savings and Internal Lending Communities School Performance Appraisal Meeting School Performance Improvement Plan Training of Trainers Tamale Teaching Hospital Technical Vocational Education and Training University for Development Studies United Nations Village Savings and Loans Association Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Youth Climate Reporters Youth Employment Agency Youth Environmental Brigade Youth Empowerment for Life
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Section 1
About YEFL
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Who we are
Youth Empowerment for Life (YEFL-Ghana) is a vibrant, youth focused organization dedicated to empowering young people in Northern Ghana and beyond. Established in 2010 in Tamale, YEFL-Ghana has grown from a grassroots youth association into a recognized membership-based organization, making significant contributions at local, national, and international levels through advocacy, networking, and youth driven initiatives. Over the past 15 years, YEFL-Ghana has built extensive program capacity by implementing cross-sectoral programs in collaboration with national and international development partners such as Oxfam, SNV, Ghana Friends/ Danida, and CRS, as well as government institutions. This experience has equipped YEFL-Ghana with robust operational guidelines and policies, including safeguarding protocols, and has seen the organization successfully pass rigorous due diligence processes. YEFL-Ghana’s work is grounded in well-documented methodologies
and co-created models developed in partnership with research institutions and youth stakeholders. Notable examples include the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and Youth Speak Up models, which have become cornerstones of youth empowerment efforts in the region. At the national level, YEFL-Ghana has played a key role in shaping youth policy, including contributing to the National Youth Policy in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, now the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the National Youth Authority. Internationally, YEFL-Ghana has provided leadership as both a chair and member of the African Youth Panel, influencing youth development agendas across the continent.
Mission We create young change makers who are committed to secure strong and sustainable futures for themselves and their society.
Our Vision Youth Leading Change
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Values & Guiding Principles • • • • • • • •
Counselling, Mentoring and Coaching for Capabilities Peer-to-peer Learning Advocacy and Civic Engagement Learning by Doing Volunteerism Gender Equality and Value System Participate (Do not spectate) Networking and Partnership
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How we drive change
YEFL’s programmatic objective is to: Empower young people socially, economically, and politically to become active citizens who advocate for their rights, drive social change, create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to decision-making processes at all levels. This objective is operationalised through our 6 strategic focus areas (SFA)
SFA 1
Youth Economic Empowerment & Employment Youth unemployment remains one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges, with a significant proportion of young people lacking access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods. Rural youth, in particular, face barriers such as limited access to capital, business training, and market opportunities.
SFA 2
Youth Mobilizing for Change Young people in Ghana often feel disempowered and disconnected from the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Social, economic, and political structures frequently exclude youth, particularly those from marginalized and rural communities. Additionally, many youths lack safe spaces to express themselves, learn, and organize. YEFL-Ghana aims to address these challenges by creating platforms for youth mobilization, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring that young voices are heard and considered in policy development and implementation at all levels. SFA 2 objective is: Strengthen youth voices and agency by creating inclusive spaces where young people can organize, collaborate, and advocate for their rights, while driving positive change within their communities and influencing national policies
SFA 3
Youth Climate Awareness and Resilience Building Ghana’s youth are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation, which threaten livelihoods, especially in agricultural communities, further leading to youth climate migration from the North. Despite their vulnerability, young people are often left out of climate policy discussions and decision-making processes. YEFL-Ghana recognizes the need to equip youth with adaptive skills, foster climate innovation, and ensure their active participation in shaping local and national climate resilience strategies. SFA 3 objective is: Foster a generation of environmentally conscious youth who actively participate in climate resilience efforts, lead innovative local solutions, and contribute to national and global climate advocacy
The mismatch between skills acquired through formal education and the demands of the labour market further exacerbates the issue, leaving many young people underemployed or unemployed (Ampadu-Ameyawetal.,2020). According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, one in five (19.7%) young people are unemployed in the country. The unemployment rate for young people between 15 and 24 is even more severe (estimated at 32.8%; see Ghana Statistical Service,2021). Unemployment is more prevalent among women (15.5%) compared to men (11.6%). YEFL-Ghana recognizes the urgent need to foster entrepreneurial mindsets and provide youth with the skills, resources, and support systems necessary to create and sustain their own businesses, thereby contributing to economic growth and reducing poverty. Based on the experience we developed a methodology for working with entrepreneurs with 75% success rate of youth owned and run businesses. SFA 1 objective is: Empower youth to become innovative entrepreneurs and resilient business leaders by fostering a culture of creativity, providing continuous mentorship, and facilitating access to opportunities for sustainable economic development.
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SFA4
SFA 5
SFA 6
Access to information and platforms for self-expression remains limited for many young people in Ghana, particularly those in underserved communities. Youth often face challenges in articulating their concerns, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for their rights due to limited communicative skills and lack of access to media channels.
The rise in social and political tensions, coupled with economic inequalities and marginalization, places many young people at risk of being drawn into violent extremism and conflict. In Northern Ghana, where socio-economic challenges are more pronounced, the potential for youth radicalization is a growing concern. YEFL-Ghana seeks to promote social cohesion, empower marginalized youth, and foster peaceful coexistence through dialogue, leadership development, and community-driven initiatives that address the root causes of violence and promote inclusion.
Arts, culture, and sports have immense potential to foster social change, promote inclusion, and empower young people. However, many talented youths in Ghana lack access to training, platforms, and resources to harness their creative potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The absence of structured cultural exchange programs and limited investment in sports development further restricts youth opportunities. YEFL-Ghana aims to leverage the power of arts, culture, and sports to inspire creativity, encourage cross-cultural earning, and promote development, especially among marginalized youth.
Youth Voices and Civic Engagement
YEFL-Ghana is committed to bridging this gap by building the communicative capacity of youth, promoting community journalism, and providing platforms for young people to amplify their voices and hold duty bearers accountable. SFA 4 objective is: Enhance youth capacity to express themselves, share their stories, and engage with decisionmakers through diverse platforms, ensuring that youth perspectives shape social, economic, and political discourse.
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Youth, Peace and Security
SFA 5 objective is: Promote peace and social cohesion by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to prevent violence, resolve conflicts, and foster mutual respect within diverse communities.
Arts, Cultural Exchange and Sports for Development
SFA 6 objective is: Inspire and promote. youth creativity and cross-cultural understanding through arts, cultural exchanges, and sports, using these mediums to address societal challenges, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity
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Section 2
Leadership Re�lection
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Statement from Executive Council Chairperson On behalf of the Executive Council (EC) of YEFL-Ghana, it is my distinct honour to present the 2025 Annual Report. This document reflects not only the progress made over the past year but also the remarkable growth of an organisation that continues to mature in its approach, deepen its impact, and strengthen its position as a leader in youth development and community resilience in Northern Ghana. The executive council has been particularly encouraged by the strategic alignment and coherence of YEFL-Ghana’s programme portfolio. The transition from stand-alone projects to a more integrated and programmatic approach, anchored around our core pillars of Economic Empowerment, Civic Engagement, Climate Action, and Social Cohesion, is clearly reflected in the outcomes achieved throughout the year. Our ability to leverage resources, partnerships, and learning across initiatives such as E4L, FILMA, and the DANIDA SP II project demonstrates both strategic focus and an increasingly efficient operational model. Beyond programme delivery, the executive council has continued to prioritise organisational health, governance, and accountability. We are pleased to note that YEFL-Ghana has not only delivered strongly against programme targets but has also strengthened key internal systems in financial management, risk mitigation, and safeguarding. The investments made in staff and volunteer capacity building during the year have further enhanced the organisation’s ability to maintain high ethical and professional standards while delivering meaningful impact across communities.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
The Executive Council extends its deepest appreciation to the Executive Director and the entire YEFL-Ghana team for their tireless commitment, professionalism, and dedication throughout the year. We also express our sincere gratitude to our development, government collaborators, traditional authorities, community leaders, and the thousands of young people and community members whose participation and partnership continue to drive this shared impact. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and renewed commitment. Building on the strong foundation laid in 2025, we are excited for the opportunities ahead, particularly as the organisation prepares to launch its new strategic direction. The Executive Council remains committed to supporting YEFL-Ghana in advancing its mission and expanding its contribution to a more resilient, inclusive, and empowered future for young people and communities across Ghana.
Zakariah Issah Nabila Chairman-Executive Council, YEFL-Ghana
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Message from the Executive Director Dear Partners, Stakeholders, and Friends of YEFL Ghana, Advancing Youth Leadership and Community Resilience continues to be at the core of YEFL-Ghana's work and Impact. 2025 was a year of profound impact, strategic growth, and meaningful transformation for the youth and communities of Northern Ghana. As I reflect on the pages of this report, I am filled with immense pride in what our team, working closely with our partners and the communities we serve, has accomplished together. Throughout the year, our work spanned the critical intersections of climate resilience, economic empowerment, civic engagement, and social cohesion. Through the GoAdapt project, we witnessed vulnerable farming communities move beyond understanding climate change to actively leading the development of their own adaptation plans and seeing these priorities reflected in district-level planning and decision-making. The adoption of climate-smart agriculture and dry-season farming represents more than outputs and figures; it reflects improved livelihoods, increased household income, and strengthened food security for hundreds of families, with women playing a leading role in driving this transformation. In the area of civic voice and inclusion, our youth networks and advocacy platforms demonstrated remarkable influence. Through the sustained engagement of young people supported under the DANIDA SP II project, we contributed to a historic policy achievement: the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in Ghana. This milestone affirms the power of organised, evidence-based youth advocacy in shaping
national priorities. At the same time, our CLEAR project continued to strengthen accountability within the education sector by empowering Community Journalists and Girls’ Caucuses to engage constructively with duty bearers. Our focused work with Fulbe communities also continued to foster peaceful coexistence and break down long-standing barriers of exclusion. The scale and depth of our economic empowerment work, particularly through the FILMA programme, has been truly significant. Mobilising more than 16,000 community members into savings groups is helping to build sustainable foundations for financial resilience and economic independence that will extend far beyond the life of any single project. We remain deeply grateful to our donors and partners for the trust and confidence placed in us to deliver these life-changing interventions. Like many organisations operating in complex environments, we faced challenges throughout the year—from budget pressures linked to currency fluctuations to the social and cultural dynamics within the communities where we work. Yet through adaptive management, strong local partnerships, and a continued commitment to community-led approaches, we were able to learn, respond, and continue delivering meaningful results. This report is a celebration of our collective efforts and shared achievements. It tells the story of young people finding and amplifying their voices, women strengthening their economic power, and communities building a more resilient, peaceful, and inclusive future.
Jawol Vera Magan Executive Director
Warm Regards
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Executive Council
YEFL Ghana is governed by a dedicated Executive council members providing strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and policy guidance.
Zakaria Issah Nabila Board Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Beatrice Biije
Attah Zack
Mahama Bintu
Abdallah Yussif
Member
Member
Member
Member
Sualey-Oyiya
Abubakari Abdallah
Abdallah Dokurugu
Mohammed Zakaria
Member
Member
Member
Member
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Mahama A. Azeez
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Section 3
2025 Impact at a glance
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Geographic Footprint
Youth Entrepreneurship & Employment
In 2025, YEFL Ghana's direct project implementation spanned over 250 communities across 19 districts in five (5) regions of Ghana (Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West) while driving policy advocacy, and systems-level influence at the national level.
250 communities
19 districts
FIVE
183
youth led business
operational 6 months post completing entrepreneurship bootcamp training
regions of Ghana
64O
Ecopreneurship manual developed and tested with
125
youth
youth based VSLA/SILC groups formed;
580 active;GHC 2.3 million mobilized
Youth Mobilizing for Change
10
Girls Caucus platforms across six (6) districts
Gushegu, Zabzugu, Tatale, Sawla Tuna Kalba, North Gonja, West Gonja, West Mamprusi, East Mamprusi, Yunyoo Nasuan connected to their respective Regional Youth Networks.
3
established district youth hubs (Yendi,
are active and leveraging their collective built voice to demand accountability for enhance public basic education
active regional youth networks,
demanding accountability for funding the youth policy of Ghana
Upper East
Upper West
North East
Youth Voices and Civic Engagements
Northern
Strengthened the capacities of
Savannah
52
young people
in community journalism, storytelling, advocacy, enabling them to document local challenges, amplify community voices, and promote locally driven solutions.
Youth, Peace and Security YEFL facilitated
YEFL facilitated
Bimbilla, and Chamba, reaching an estimated 237 community members utilizing its innovative audio-visual ethnic minority manual
in Ghana to jointly advocate for the effective youth financing in Ghana.
over 500 School
Performance Appraisal, as a result 100 School Performance Improvement Plans (SPIPs) have been developed, providing a roadmap for addressing identified issues
inter-ethnic dialogue sessions in Binchera-Tanga,
Observable reduction in violent responses to farmer-herder conflicts in target communities; shift toward mediation and dialogue.
Youth Climate Awareness and Resilience Building
160
Youth Environmental Brigades trained and
high-level political commitment secured
leading local climate action. Generated evidence that informed private-sector action, leading to the adoption of fuel-efficient
strengthening the capacity of 40 youth climate activists to design
charcoal use among 200 women.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
1
from the North East Regional Minister to establish three model climate communities
cookstoves and reduced
3
YEFL led youth CSOs
21
YEFL built Fulbe youth capacity to detect and address misinformation
69
young Fulbe girls trained
in leadership and advocacy, leading to 8 community-level dialogues on inclusion and justice.
Arts, Cultural Exchange and Sports for Development
4
cultural exchange programs organized with fifty-five (55) Danish youth directly visiting Ghana and 40 participating virtually.
150
youth and children (playkids) develop athletic abilities and critical life skills through structured sports and life-skills activities.
and implement locally driven climate action initiatives in collaboration with CDKN
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Section 4
Program Impact by Strategic Focus Areas This section provides a detailed account of YEFL Ghana's programmatic achievements
6
Strategic in 2025, organized by our Focus Areas (SFAs). The narrative below captures the breadth and depth of our work, linking specific project activities to tangible outputs, meaningful outcomes, and the broader impact on the lives of young people and communities across Ghana.
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SFA 1
Youth Economic Empowerment & Employment
Region
In 2025, YEFL implemented a broad range of interventions under the FILMA, and E4L programme that collectively improved financial inclusion & youth entrepreneurship and paved the way for youth-led green enterprise development.
Youth Trained
Youth Running Businesses
%
Northern
90
78
86.7
Our job creation reach is impressive; 6 months post completion of entrepreneurship boot camp training in 2024, 183 out of 211 (86.7%) have started their own businesses such as shea butter processing, mobile money services, local beverage production etc as shown in table 1.
Savannah
60
46
76.7
North-East
61
59
96.7
Total
211
183
86.7
6
After months post completion
183
(86.7%) have started their own businesses
SILC group executives opening savings box during a meeting.
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Stories behind the numbers Francisca’s journey to being an entrepreneur Francisca Mbataah, a young entrepreneur from the Tatale district. She was running a modest snack business where sales were small, resources were limited, and her dream of growing into a recognized food entrepreneur felt far away. But things changed significantly after she joined YEFL’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in 2024 under the E4L phase IV. Equipped with new knowledge in business management, financial literacy, and innovation, Francisca transformed her small venture into a registered food enterprise.
Job creation has been largely backed by youth-led village savings and loan Associations (VSLAs) also termed Savings for internal Lending communities (SILC) by CRS. We continued to work with 64O youth based VSLA/SILC groups across our operational areas, of these 580 are actively saving. By close of 2025 (see table 2), these groups saved GHC 2.3 million providing access to low-interest loans to expand their business and finance themselves out of poverty. Region
Active VSLs
Membership
VSLA Savings (Ghc)
Northern
4
100
53,036.00
Savannah
3
75
105,215.50
North-East
3
75
76,800.00
Total
10
250
235,051.50
Today, her business is not only branded but also equipped with modern machinery, including a soya processing machine she acquired with support from the District Department of Agriculture.
From Car Wash Attendant to Business Owner, Bawa’s Story Meet Bawa, a young entrepreneur who rose from being a washing bay attendant to an owner himself. Just like many young people, Bawa always thought starting his own business was farfetched. It demands a huge amount of money, many years of experience and public acceptance, all symptoms of “waiting for the rain”. Today, Bawa has been able to fight the thought of I need a lot of money to start my business to starting his own washing bay business in Zabzugu. With his strong-will and determination, Bawa joined an entrepreneurship bootcamp organized by YEFL-Ghana under the Empowerment for Life Program in 2024. Before joining the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Dalun, Bawa overlooked the opportunities right in front of him.
“
I realized that my own means were significant, something I had ignored and never valued before the training,” he reflected.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
USD 21,330 Saved in one year. Young people across Northern Ghana are demonstrating strong commitment to financial independence through collective savings and entrepreneurship under the Empowerment for Life (E4L) program. Across the Savannah, North-East, and Northern Regions, youth groups mobilized GHC 235,051.50 (≈ USD 21,330) within one-year, pooling resources through VSLA structures and reinvesting in small businesses such as food processing, retail, and mobile money services. These efforts reflect a growing culture of discipline, collaboration, and resilience, particularly among young women in the North-East Region, who played a leading role in driving savings and enterprise activities. The economic impact of these efforts is evident in the expansion of youth-led businesses, increased income opportunities, and strengthened local economies. Under the E4L program, YEFL-Ghana integrates the VSLA model providing participants not only with skills but also, access practical financial systems that sustain their progress. This approach has enabled youth to move beyond subsistence toward stability and growth, positioning them as active contributors to economic transformation in their communities. Page | 14
Spotlight
FILMA
E4L
The Financial Inclusion for Last Mile Actors (FILMA) Program is a Master Card Founded program which is been implemented by a consortium of four organizations namely, Temple Investment, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) SEND Ghana, and AV Ventures.
The CISU funded E4L program is a four-year (2024-2027) DKK 38.68 million program implemented in partnership with CLIP, SFL, GDCA, and Ghana Venskab.
YEFL Ghana is a sub recipient to CRS Implementing the FILMA program in four districts (Yendi, Nanumba North, Nanumba South, and Zabzugu in the Northern Region of Ghana). The program aims to address the barriers that prevent disadvantaged persons, particularly young women, and men in economic activities in the Agriculture and Agriculture-Adjacent Sector from accessing and using Inclusive Financial Services to create dignified and fulfilling jobs. The project targets 100,000 young men and women who are between the ages of 15-35 years including 4000 Persons with Disability (PWDs). Across the 4 program districts, the target is to reach at least 5,600 young people comprising of at least 3900 young women, 1700 young men, and 280 PWDs in 60 communities. YEFL Ghana collaborates with CRS in the mobilization, capacity building, and job creation for the Last Mile Actors (LMAs) and the identification, selection of beneficiary communities. Project targets
Including
young men and women
PWDs
100,000
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4000
E4L objective is a Civil society in Northern Ghana contribute to improved resilience, equity, and more accountable governance in Ghana. YEFL works with youth across 10 districts (Yendi Municipal, Gushegu, Zabzugu, Tatale, Sawla Tuna Kalba, North Gonja and West Gonja, West Mamprusi, East Mamprusi and Yunyoo Nasuan) across 3 regions to have increased employability and advocate for their inclusion in decision making processes at local and national level.
YEFL continued to learn and evolve approaches to creating sustainable businesses. Our newly developed eco-prenuership manual creates value for people, planet, and profit. It encourages youth to see themselves not just as business creators, but as agents of environmental and social change. The manual adds to a pool of YEFL’s youth enterprise resources. The manual has been tested with 125 youth and refined into its second edition.
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SFA 2
Youth Mobilizing for Change YEFL Ghana in 2025 continued to invest in building the organizational capacity and agency of youth hubs, networks etc that continue to be a formidable force for positive change in their communities. Six 6 district (East Mamprusi, Nanumba North, Northeast Gonja, Talensi, Tatale-Sanguli and Wa West) level Girls Caucus platforms are active and leveraging their collective built voice to demand accountability for enhance public basic education. YEFL built the leadership and advocacy capacity of 25 girls who have taken self -initiatives such as engaging out of school girls directly. In Gambaga for example they inspired 5 young Fulbe girls to re-sit their exams and are now pursuing higher education at Gambaga College of Education.
YEFL continued to ensure that Youth are organized and create spaces to advance their interests. YEFL built the mobilization, advocacy, and engagement Capacity of 225 youth from 10 district youth hubs (Yendi, Gushegu, Zabzugu, Tatale, Sawla Tuna Kalba, North Gonja, West Gonja, West Mamprusi, East Mamprusi, Yunyoo Nasuan) built. These strengthened hubs are now connected to their respective Regional Youth Networks. The strategic decision to link district-level Youth hubs to their respective Regional Youth Network (RYN) is a deliberate move to ensure institutional sustainability. By embedding these project-formed groups within a permanent and recognized regional structure, their collective voice and ongoing advocacy efforts are positioned to continue and evolve well beyond the finite project lifecycle. This approach offers a viable model for transitioning from project-based youth engagement to institutionalized and enduring youth participation in governance.
Girls Caucus member engaging community members in Karaga on co-existence between Fulbe women and non-Fulbe women. EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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In Zabzugu for example, the Zabzugu District Assembly allocated a physical office space to the Youth Hub, a testimony of their visibility and credibility in leading youth activities in the district. In the North Gonja, the Assembly, made an undisclosed cash donation and cleaning logistics such as wheelbarrows, shovels, hand gloves, boots, cutlases, etc to the Youth Hub which is in recognition of their sanitation advocacy efforts in the district. Also in Gushegu, the Municipal Assembly has entered into partnership with the youth hub on afforestation and greening project, with the youth given a target of 2, 500 trees to plant and nurture across various parts of the Gushegu community. Our youth platforms such as the Girls' Caucus, Youth networks etc function more than just advocacy vehicles; they are genuine leadership incubators. The practical skills gained in public speaking, evidence gathering, meeting facilitation, and strategic planning are equipping a new generation of young women and men with the essential tools required to assume formal and informal leadership roles in their communities and future professions.
Members of the West Mamprusi youth hub engaged in a brainstorming session.
Girls Caucus members at a radio station for a studio session.
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Stories behind the numbers Anti-natal assessment session at Fumbisi
Girls’ Caucus Members from the Upper East facilitated a community health dialogue in Fumbisi, with the Fulbe community, creating an inclusive platform for discussing maternal health challenges. The dialogue was facilitated by Public Health Officer Mr. Albert and translation support from Caucus member Fadila. The dialogue highlighted critical concerns such as high anemia levels, maternal deaths, delayed antenatal visits, low NHIS enrollment, and cultural barriers limiting women’s healthcare decisions.
“
During the assessment of pregnant women, their blood levels are low, and maternal deaths are high in the Fulbe community”. Mr. Albert revealed. Fadila who is a Girls Caucus member and Fulbe confirmed this by lamenting that “They are many Fulbe women in the ward with anaemia cases and it is sad. The dialogue further revealed the challenges is borne from both health systems and community practices. A community member added that “The women believe that, when a female child eat eggs, her circumcised clitorise will grow back and therefore, they don’t like eating them.” Isaah
The engagement led to increased awareness of maternal health risks and practical solutions, including improved nutrition, consistent antenatal care, and NHIS enrollment. “Just like Mr. Albert said the NHIS is important because when they come to the hospital, majority don’t have it and this message should go far so that they get it. Without it, you will pay for everything.” Madam Sita, Assistant Public Health Officer. Interestingly, men acknowledged their role in supporting women, and trust between the community and health workers strengthened through open dialogue and on-site health checks. “We don’t have issue with our wives visiting the hospital”. Fulbe member, the session marked a positive step toward sustained behavior change and stronger collaboration for improved maternal health outcomes.
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An anti-natal assessment session ongoing during the community health dialogue at Fumbisi
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Spotlight
New Youth Hub Member For Salma, being mobilized into the hub as a community journalist, boosted her confidence. She noted:
“
First of all, it really boosted my confidence – I was an introvert and now the voice of my community and particularly for young females. Secondly, I learnt more about research, storytelling and reporting being a community journalist. Thirdly, it made me to explore more on social media where I used not be engaged in actively. Fourthly, I have developed my communication skills and as a result I have met with key stakeholders who now inspires and encourages me to further built my capacity to become a certified journalist.
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Young Fulbe girls trained in leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement via the Girls' Caucus Empowerment Model
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SFA 3
Youth Climate Awareness and Resilience Building Our youth centric approaches such as youth climate reporters and youth environmental brigades ensured young people actively participated in climate resilience efforts, lead innovative local solutions, and contribute to national and global climate advocacy. YEFL trained 160 Youth Environmental Brigades (YEBs) trained in climate change advocacy, community mobilization and advocacy. This led to the establishment of 4 district-level YEBs platforms, which developed and implemented community-led mobilization and advocacy action plans to advance local climate awareness and environmental action. Out of these trained YEBs, YEFL further built the capacity of twenty (20) youth climate reporters (YCR) who produced and broadcasted 240 radio programs on key environmental and climate resilience issues, including bushfires, deforestation, and climate-smart agricultural practices. This has expanded access to locally relevant climate information and amplified youth-led advocacy and community engagement on environmental sustainability and resilience. The Youth Environmental Brigades and climate reporters have become visible, trusted, and influential actors within the local climate governance landscape. Their weekly radio programs reach an audience of 30,000, and their consistent presence at district-level meetings ensures that youth perspectives are systematically included in decision-making. The fact that local media houses like Dalun Radio and Tolon Radio now independently engage the climate reporters to host additional shows is a clear and compelling signal of their established credibility and value. Under the CISU funded GoAdapt project, YEFL collaborated with CLIP, and GV contribute to advocate for inclusive climate adaptation planning and have increased resilience to climate change variability in four districts (Nanton, Kumbungu, Savelugu, Tolon) in the Northern Ghana. Key results include;
160
Youth Environmental Brigades (YEBs) trained
4
district-level YEBs platforms established
240
radio programs broadcasted
30,000
Audience reached
Young climate activist sharing his vision board to another during the Climate Activist Program at Ensign College, Akosombo.
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Additionally, YEFL collaborated with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change in Ghana to adopt sustainable and gender-just green solutions.
Partnering Academic Institutions YEFL further generated evidence on the drivers and climate impacts of commercial charcoal burning in the Savannah ecological zone through built strategic partnership with the Faculty for Sustainable Development Studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS). Evidence was used to hold the Savannah Climate Conference which convened local government authorities and culminated in a high-level political commitment by the Northeast Regional Minister to establish three model climate communities.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Private Sector Partnership YEFL partnered with private sector (Envirofit) to provide 200 energy efficient cookstove to 200 most vulnerable and marginalized women engaged in charcoal burning across Buipe and Wulugu. YEFL-Ghana through the E4L and CDKN co-designed and launched the Climate Activists Program (CAP ’25), strengthening the capacity of 40 youth climate activists to design and implement locally driven climate action initiatives. Through the program, youth activists facilitated national-level climate debates and policy dialogues and secured strategic commitments and partnerships with key climate governance stakeholders, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Forest and Sustainable Development Advocates, and Green Africa Youth Organization, contributing to increased youth participation in climate policy engagement and advocacy.
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Stories behind the numbers Adam is a youth environmental brigadier from Zugu in the Kumbungu district. As a young farmer, he relied largely on pesticides for farming which were harmful to crops. ” the fertilizers we used to buy from the market, are very harmful to us and also expensive” he shared. Joining the GoAdapt project, he gained practical skills in organic manure and animal feed production. These skills he shared with other farmers in his community and neighbouring communities.
“
After making my own manure and applying on my farm, i was happy with the results, so i decide to teach some young people in the next community. Together with fellows YEBs from my community we trained more young people on how make organic manure and animal feed. Some of us even sold our animal feed during market days at the Kumbungu central market which helped a lot .
Adam joins his fellow YEBs in Kumbungu to sensitize them on practices that contribute to climate change whiles educating them on smart agricultural practices.
From Listening to Leading Iddrisu, a 26-year-old farmer from the Kumbungu district, used to listen to the radio for news and music. He never thought he would be the one behind the microphone. After being trained as a youth climate reporter under the GoAdapt project, he now hosts a popular weekly segment on Dalun Radio. "At first, I was so nervous I could hear my voice shaking," he laughs. "But I knew the information was important. My own family had lost crops to strange new pests we'd never seen before." His program focuses on practical, actionable advice on how to make compost, how to prepare neem-based pesticides, and how to interpret the seasonal forecast. He interviews local farmers, extension officers, and even district officials. "The response has been incredible," Iddrisu says.
“
People stop me in the market to ask questions. They call into the show and share their own solutions. I've become known as ‘the climate man’.“Perhaps the most significant change is at home. My father, who has farmed this land for 40 years, now asks for my advice. He used to tell me what to do. Now, we plan together.”
Abdulai's story shows how empowering youth with knowledge and a platform can bridge generations and make climate information accessible and actionable for everyone.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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Participant Highlights
“
My journey so far at CAP '25 has been interesting and deeply focused on understanding climate change. I've learned a lot about the science behind it and how to share that knowledge. I’ve also become more skilled at managing projects - vital for securing funding, and I now know how to explain my research in ways everyone can understand”
Adijata during her participation in the Climate Activist Program at Ensign College, Akosombo.
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SFA 4
Youth Voices and Civic Engagement In 2025, YEFL Ghana deepened its work building and amplifying the voices of youth and marginalized citizens and ensuring that YOUTH have the capacity to engage decision makers. Through youth friendly platforms such as Community Journalists, youth budget monitors, youth policy champions, and Girls' Caucuses, young people generated evidence, engaged in advocacy, and held decision-makers accountable for their commitments. Across our programming in 2025, YEFL trained fifty-two (52) young people as Community Journalists (CJs) to document, amplify community, and suggest solutions to community challenges. These CJs generated credible local evidence and made over 300 social media posts which directly increased community awareness and involvement in supporting education delivery in the districts and the attention of district education authorities in addressing the educational gaps in the districts such as renovating dilapidated school
buildings and teachers quarters, donation of furniture and learning materials, renovation of school kitchen for the school feeding program among many others. They also engaged stakeholders via over 42 radio programs, contributing to increased community voice, accountability, and advocacy for community development. Furthermore, fifteen (15) advocacy issues of CJs across sanitation, school infrastructure and furniture, police extortion, deforestation, road maintenance, farmer–herder disputes, child trafficking, access to portable water, improved WASH services, electricity supply, and action against illicit drug use across three regions were addressed by district and regional level duty bearers.
Youth during a peaceful march on the ‘Follow the Money’ Campaign in Tamale.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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Stories behind the numbers Youth Advocacy Brings Water to Guntingli Also in another report by a community journalist, Guntingli and surrounding communities in Yendi Municipality endured years of unreliable water supply. The Yendi Municipal Youth Parliament advocated persistently, engaging the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and municipal authorities for urgent action.
“
We kept pushing because access to water is not something the people of Guntingli should have to continue struggling for,” the Youth Parliament’s advocacy reflects.
The push paid off. With materials on hand and authorization granted, GWCL engineers began installation works to restore and expand the system, bringing renewed hope to residents after years of shortages.The Youth Parliament thanked all stakeholders, calling it proof that sustained youth advocacy can drive real change. Written by: Mohammed Abdul Rahaman, Community Journalist
Community journalists create change A community journalist, reporting under the Yendi Youth Parliament social media handle, in December 2024, reported on the poor sanitation in Guntingli and Zohe in the Yendi Municipality and called for action. In March 2025 after several follow ups, has got the response of the Yendi Municipal Assembly which cleared the refuse dump and now regularly clears the trash when accumulated. In another report, a Community Journalist reported on lack of portable drinking water among residents of his community and immediately had a response from Action Aid official with the commitment to drilling a borehole for the community. The story will be followed up to ensure that the commitment is fulfilled. Similarly, in the Damongo area, the CJs using social media within a week projected uncollected waste mound collapsing under its own weight and had the West Gonja Municipal Assembly swiftly responding. This was unprecedented considering the fact that, the social media campaign started in the first week of June, 2025 and by the second week of June 2025, the refuse dump was adequately cleared.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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YEFL collaborated with youth CSOs in Ghana to jointly advocate for the effective implementation of the national youth policy. YEFL-Ghana, through its ‘Follow The Money Campaign- YEFL Ghana's multi-year, evidence-based advocacy’, successfully influenced the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports to take an active interest in the tracking of the 5% District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation to the National Youth Authority (NYA). The Committee commended YEFL-Ghana for educating them on the subject and generating evidence that raised their awareness and commitment to ensuring accountability in youth funds. Prior to this advocacy win, Youth drawn from the regional youth networks held a co-creation with the YEFL to review and draft an updated advocacy plan. The youth were divided into two groups, youth budget monitors and Youth Policy Champions. The group, following the ultimate goal, drafted action plans to be carried out by both.
YEFL facilitated over 500 School Performance Appraisal Meetings (SPAMs, serving as a direct interface between young citizens and education officials. As a result 100 School Performance Improvement Plans (SPIPs) have been developed, providing a roadmap for addressing identified issues. The School Performance Improvement Plans generated through this process are increasingly being utilized at the district level to inform more data-driven education delivery and strategic resource allocation, ensuring that limited public funds are directed toward the most pressing and locally identified needs. The SPAM process has moved decisively beyond discussion to tangible action. In various project communities, sustained citizen advocacy informed by SPAM deliberations led directly to the construction of a new school canteen, the renovation of dilapidated school buildings and teachers' quarters, the roofing of previously unusable classroom blocks, and the successful posting of new teachers to underserved schools
Our Technical Advisor for youth, advocacy& gender together with our Advocacy and engagement officer posed with the chairman for the parliament select committee for youth and sports EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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Follow the money Campaign highlight
Since 2022, YEFL-Ghana, under the Empowerment for Life (E4L) Programme, has led the Follow the Money Campaign, a youth-led initiative promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public funds earmarked for youth development. Central to the campaign is tracking the 5% allocation of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to the National Youth Authority (NYA), as mandated by Act 939 (2016). In 2022, YEFL – Ghana, under the E4L Programme supported youth participation and representation in the development of the new National Youth Policy (2022 – 2032) through consultative meetings and influenced the broad policy priority areas of the policy. In 2025, following the election of the NDC government into power, the Ministry of Youth and Sports was decoupled to have the now Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development with the aim to highlight youth issues as promised in its manifesto during the campaigning season. In 2023 and 2024, YEFL - Ghana was able to launch a national tracking exercise of youth funds transferred to the National Youth Authority (NYA) between 2017 and 2022. This was done at the backdrop of Article 17(b) of Act 939, 2016 of NYA, which mandates the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) Secretariat to transfer 5% of the DACF to the NYA annually. The tracking exercise was led by the Regional Youth Networks with a leverage on the Right To Information Act (Act 989, 2019) to access information of the disbursement and utilization of the funds to NYA nationally. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports in 2023, commended the efforts of YEFL for raising the awareness of members of the committee on the subject matter and making them develop interest in such an important national issue through evidence generated.
% to NYA/Youth Programme
Allocation to YEA/National Employment Support(GHS)
Year
Allocation to NYA/Youth Programme(GHS)
2017
78, 796, 767.00
5.0%
157, 594.00
10.0%
Not Available(N/A)
2018
90, 607, 222.00
5.0%
120, 000, 000.00
10.0%
Partial (NYA only)
2019
83, 177, 065.00
4.0%
166, 354, 129.00
8.0%
Partial (NYA only)
2020
92, 508, 262.00
4.0%
208, 143, 590.00
9.0%
Partial (NYA only)
2021
60, 000, 000.00
2.5%
120, 000, 000.00
5.0%
NYA Only
2022
59, 685, 257.00
1.79%
119, 370, 513.00
3.75%
N/A
2023
113, 850, 866.00
2.5%
227, 701, 733.00
5.0%
N/A
2024
115, 165, 087.00
2.0%
287, 912, 716.00
5.0%
N/A
2025
45, 060, 000.00
0.6%
45, 060, 000.00
0.6%
N/A
% to YEA/Nat. Employment
RTI Responses Available?
(Source: DACF Formula from 2017 to 2025 and YEFL tracking report)
Despite increasing public spending on youth-focused interventions, significant gaps remain in how resources are allocated, tracked, and utilized. Youth continue to be excluded from local governance and accountability processes. The Follow the Money Campaign addresses this gap by empowering young people to monitor public financial flows related to youth development, amplify their voices, and influence inclusive policy implementation. This campaign builds on YEFL-Ghana’s advocacy pillars of youth agency, inclusive governance, and citizen mobilization; ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries but active stakeholders and watchdogs in the development process.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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SFA 5
Youth Peace and Security In the diverse and sometimes fragile context of Northern Ghana, sustainable development is impossible without peace and social cohesion. Our approach is to foster inclusion, build trust through dialogue, and empower marginalized voices to become advocates for peace and justice in their own communities. YEFL facilitated three (3) inter-ethnic dialogue sessions in Binchera-Tanga, Bimbilla, and Chamba, reaching an estimated 237 community members utilizing its innovative audio-visual ethnic minority manual. Post dialogues, communities reported an improvement in trust and social cohesion between Fulbe and host communities. Tangible evidence of this shift includes the new practice of Fulbe and host community members jointly attending funerals, weddings, and festivals together; the reported cessation of discriminatory practices limiting Fulbe women access to water at community water points; and the regular inclusion of Fulbe leaders in palace meetings and community decision-making platforms from which they were historically excluded. In a particularly significant development in Bimbilla, the Fulbe community formally expressed interest in taking up a chieftaincy title, a powerful signal of their desire for deeper integration and a sense of belonging.
There is also a gradual shift in how farmer-herder conflicts are managed. Where incidents of farm destruction once triggered immediate and violent retaliation, including beatings and cattle seizure, farmers are now demonstrably more likely to report incidents to chiefs, assembly members, or community mediation committees. Concurrently, herders are showing a greater willingness to accept responsibility and engage constructively in compensation processes. Community leaders in all three project sites confirmed that no killings or severe violent incidents were recorded during the entire monitoring period. Additionally, YEFL built the capacity of twenty-one (21) youth, to detect and address misinformation. YEFL delivered a two-day Media Literacy Training in Tamale for 21 selected Fulbe youth (10 females, 11 males) from Binchera-Tanga, Bimbilla, and Chamba. The training enhanced participants’ ability to identify misinformation, practice responsible digital engagement, and communicate effectively within their communities. Additional 10 Fulbe girls have received training as community journalist and have so far produced and published 11 stories highlighting injustices they face in their community.
Assemblyman, chairman of cattle-herdsmen association and Fulbe leader of Chamba engaging with project team on impact of project towards promoting social cohesion. EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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YEFL strengthened peace and social cohesion in Northern Ghana by facilitating three inter-ethnic dialogue sessions that reached 237 community members in Binchera-Tanga, Bimbilla, and Chamba. The intervention contributed to improved trust between Fulbe and host communities, evidenced by increased social interaction, reduced discriminatory practices, and greater inclusion of Fulbe leaders in community decision-making. Farmer–herder conflicts are increasingly being resolved through mediation and dialogue rather than violence, with community leaders reporting no killings or severe violent incidents across all project sites during the monitoring period. YEFL also enhanced the resilience of marginalized youth by training 21 Fulbe youth in media literacy and supporting 10 Fulbe girls as community journalists, who have already published 11 stories amplifying local voices and advocating for justice and inclusion. YEFL's investment in media literacy is strengthening community resilience against misinformation and conflict. Trained Fulbe youth are actively identifying and countering false information before it escalates into tension. In one notable instance, a trained participant prevented the spread of a false social media report announcing a community member's death, averting panic and the potential for conflict. Participants are now cascading these skills within their families and communities, creating an expanding network of informed citizens that promotes responsible information sharing and counters rumour-driven violence. The programme is also nurturing a new generation of Fulbe youth leaders who are challenging harmful stereotypes, confidently advocating for their rights, and demonstrating the positive contribution of Fulbe youth to peacebuilding and community development. YEFL further strengthened the leadership and civic participation of marginalized young women through its Girls' Caucus Empowerment Model. A total of 69 young Fulbe girls from the five northern regions were trained in leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement, enabling them to develop and implement five region-specific advocacy plans addressing barriers including limited access to citizenship documentation, child marriage, exploitative cattle pricing, and inadequate maternal healthcare for Fulbe women. As a result, participating girls have increased confidence, stronger leadership skills, and a greater ability to speak out against injustices, positioning them as emerging advocates for gender equality, inclusion, and community development.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
3
Inter-ethnic dialogue sessions facilitated (Binchera-Tanga, Bimbilla, Chamba)
21
Youth trained in media literacy to detect misinformation (10 Females, 11 Males).
69
Young Fulbe girls trained in leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement via the Girls' Caucus Empowerment Model
5
Region-specific advocacy plans developed and implemented by participating girls
0
Killings or severe violent incidents recorded across all project sites during the monitoring period.
237
Community members reached via the audio-visual minority manual
10
Fulbe girls trained specifically as community journalists
5 11
Northern regions reached by the Girls' Caucus initiative
Published stories highlighting community injustices produced by the young journalists
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The media literacy training has had an immediate and practical impact, with trained youth like Farouk intervening to prevent the spread of a false report of a community member's death on social media, thereby averting panic and potential conflict. These trained youth are now actively sharing their skills with peers and family, creating an informal network of information vigilance that serves as a critical bulwark against rumour-driven tensions. Through such targeted training, YEFL is building a cadre of Fulbe leaders who are empowered and actively challenging negative stereotypes, demanding their rights, and demonstrating the positive and constructive role that Fulbe youth can play in community development and peacebuilding. YEFL enhanced the meaningful participation of young Fulbe girls in leadership, decision-making, and community development processes through the Girls’ Caucus approach in Northern Ghana. Sixty-nine (69) young Fulbe girls have been trained on the “Girls' Caucus Empowerment Model” and advocacy across 5 northern regions who have developed and implemented 5 region-specific advocacy plans challenging injustices such as their poor access to citizenship documentation, child marriage, unfair cattle pricing, and poor maternal health service delivery for Fulbe women. As a result, these girls have improved leadership & capacity to speak up on injustices they face in their communities.
Project team engaging Umar Farouk on his experience with countering misinformation
Umar Farouk, from Bincheratanga, shared an account of how he and some friends were gathered on one blessed day during the Christmas season in 2025, when a friend passed by on his motorcycle to the neighbouring community. After 30 minutes, they received news of someone involved in an accident and this was immediately related to the one who just passed by. His friends then took their phones to share the information and spread message with this person’s picture. Umar, who is now very media aware and understands how information flows cautioned them not to share it but rather confirm and verify if it is the guy who just passed by, or it is another person. His friends listened and refrained from sharing the picture. Lo and behold! the said guy came passing by again with his motorcycle in good health. This made Umar happy, as he reflected on how bad things would have turned out if he had not stopped them. The whole community would have joined in sharing the information, hence spreading misinformation. In addition to this, he has taken the initiative to engage 6 households on the need to always verify information before disseminating. Umar was a participant of YEFL’s media literacy and facts-checking training where he understands how the media works and how information flows.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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Stories behind the numbers A Voice for Her Community
A Bridge Builder in Her Community
Rafiatu Sisse, is a young Fulbe woman from the Northern Region and a trained Community Journalist through our project (Strengthening Young Girls’ Leadership and Meaningful Participation in Decision-Making Processes.). “I enjoy reading and writing but I have never written an advocacy content... not to talk of even posting it on my Facebook page,” she confessed. Through the project, Rafiatu found her voice. She wrote and published two impactful stories highlighting the challenges faced by her community, including issues of access to citizenship documentation and unfair cattle pricing.
“
I have built my skills in writing and posting on Facebook which I have never done before,” she proudly shared.
Rafiatu's journey from a shy young woman to a digital advocate is a concrete example of how targeted capacity building can unlock the potential of marginalized youth to become
Alima, a 20-year-old young Fulbe woman, became the bridge between her folks and other ethnicity. Hailing from the North-East region, Alima had always felt the distance between her community and the host Mamprusi community. “We live side-by-side, but we don't really mix,” she explains. After participating in YEFL's Girls' Caucus training, Alima decided to pursue and implement an advocacy plan on maternal health, an issue she knew affected all women.
Rafiatu shares her experience during a donor visit and engagement.
She and her group organized a meeting and invited a midwife from the Fumbisi District Hospital to speak. The event brought together Fulbe and Mamprusi women, many of whom had never sat in the same meeting before. The midwife, Midwife Sita, acknowledged the hospital's challenges, stating, “...the engagement here today has revealed that there is the need for the Fumbisi district hospital to continue these kinds of sensitization and educative engagements for the Fulbe community... This is something we will definitely continue.” The meeting was a breakthrough as for the first time, women from both communities openly discussed their shared fears about childbirth and the common barriers they face at the health facility. They realized they had more in common than they thought. “It was a small meeting, but it felt huge,” Alima said. “We started a conversation. Now, when I see the Mamprusi women at the market, we greet each other. It's a start.”. Her story depicts how empowering marginalized youth can unlock their potential to be powerful peacebuilders and connectors in their own communities.
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SFA 6
Arts, Cultural Exchange and Sports for Development YEFL Ghana leverages the universal languages of arts, culture, and sports to Inspire and promote youth creativity and cross-cultural understanding. YEFL’s exchange programs and sports initiatives delivered profound personal and professional growth for all participants, whether they were visiting students, host families, or young Ghanaian athletes. YEFL facilitated three (3) cultural exchange programs in 2025 directly for fifty-five (55) young Danish youth; The Nurse Exchange Program, the Silkerborg High school Exchange program and a virtual activism cultural exchange. These programs provided young Denmark students between 1 to 3 weeks valuable cultural immersion and opportunities for personal and academic growth through placement in health institutions, stay with local host families, and visiting of tourist sites in Ghana. YEFL facilitated the internship placement for twenty-eight (28) young Danish students (10 nurses, 3 physiotherapists, 1 occupational therapist) at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), local health canters, and the Yumba Special School. They stayed and lived with 7 host families in Malshegu & Jana communities provided opportunity for cultural immersion. Students also
enjoyed enriching cultural and sightseeing excursions organized to Mole National Park, Cape Coast/Elmina Castles, and Kakum National Park. The experience of living with host families and navigating a completely different cultural and professional environment fostered deep cultural sensitivity, humility, and adaptability. The 27 high school students were exposed to a side of Ghana rarely portrayed in Western media, one of vibrant communities, warm hospitality, and resilient young people. Their own reflections capture this growth powerfully, with students noting the kindness of their host families and the eagerness on both sides to learn from one another's way of life.
“
...the family is very kind... they take good care of you and are eager to learn from you as well as teach you how they do different things here.... this immersive, lived experience is far more impactful than any traditional classroom-based learning”
Group picture of Silkeborg students at the Tamale Jubilee park during their tour of the central business town. EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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Again, YEFL facilitated cultural exchange between twenty-seven (27) young Danish students accompanied by three (3) teachers from Silkeborg High School and Ghanian youth in Tamale to jointly participated in a cross- cultural dance and folklore, and art workshops. The Danish youth witnessed and participated in a mock youth parliamentary session learning more about how Ghanian youth utilize this platform to participate in debates and decision making in their communities.
Silkerborge students at youth home participating in a drumming and dancing session.
Furthermore, YEFL facilitated a cross virtual learning between
40 20
Danish young students and Ghanaian youth
to gain new perspectives on activism and develop their own actions that contributes to the SDGs which were presented during the “Our Common Futures” festival in Denmark.
YEFL collaborated with DUNK to implement the CISU funded “bring the A Game” that mobilized and developed the leadership skills of Ghanaian youth, capacitating them to create lasting social change within their communities, with a particular focus on the rights and protection of girls, young women, and children with intellectual disabilities. Particularly YEFL trained 22 young coaches (playmakers) in personal, social and community development, and gender transformation who held 48 weekly game practice session. These session developed the athletic abilities and critical life skills including teamwork, leadership, discipline, and conflict resolution of 200 play kids in Tamale.
Cultural Exchange Participants Feedback Occupational student therapist We are so happy to experience how special students learn and are taken care of in a Ghanaian special school. The teachers are very calm, and patience and the teaching and learning was very interesting and fun
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Ghanian Host family
Danish Virtual participant
Adisa, CJ, Kumbungu
I have learned that even though we are from different worlds, a mother's heart is the same everywhere. We all want our children to be healthy and happy. Hosting these students makes my world feel bigger.
One of the Ghanaians said it starts with you and me. That became a mantra for me we do something and then we see what happens
“I am grateful for the opportunity to share my journey as community journalist and the impact I have been able to create ”
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Stories behind the numbers My Game Journey: From Playmaker to Zone manager
“
In 2023, my dream of contributing to community development and youth empowerment became a reality when I joined the GAME project as a Playmaker. I was filled with excitement, eager to join other young people in creating positive change in my community by using sports as a tool for transformation. As Playmakers, we were trained to serve coaches, guiding and inspiring children between the ages of 5 and 16, while also addressing key social issues such as gender equality, inclusion, health, sanitation, and education. This role deeply impacted me personally, showing me how empowered young people can drive meaningful change in their communities. In 2024, the GAME project required Playmakers to take up key roles, with this new requirement came another milestone in my life. I was appointed as the Zone Manager for Zone 7 (Jisonayili-Tamale). This new role came with greater responsibility and challenges, but I embraced the journey, learning to overcome obstacles and adapt quickly. As a Zone Manager, I was no longer just a Playmaker but the leader of an entire zone. My responsibilities expanded from working directly with children to supporting other Playmakers in their coaching. I organized activities, participated in quarterly meetings with other Zone Managers, tracked progress, prepared monthly reports, and ensured regular practices to keep our zone active and vibrant. Through this role, I learned how to manage a team, resolve misunderstandings, and create an inclusive space where every voice matters. Working closely with my teammates taught me adaptability, collaboration, and resilience, qualities that made us stronger together. This transition journey has shaped my leadership capacity and prepared me for greater responsibilities. Most importantly, it has taught me that leadership is not just about guiding others, it is about creating space for young people to shine, being fair and inclusive, engaging teammates in every activity, and ensuring our zone thrives while standing out from the rest. With my new skillset, I look forward to more opportunities and challenges towards shaping my professional and personal goal” . Tijani Hidaya
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Section 5
Partnerships and Donor Support
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Page | 36
Our Donors: • • • • •
DANIDA (via Oxfam in Ghana Strategic Partnership II) CISU - Civil Society in Development (via Ghana Venskab - GoAdapt Project) Mastercard Foundation (via Catholic Relief Services - FILMA Project) The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) The European Union (EU)
Our Strategic Partners: • • • • • • • • •
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Oxfam in Ghana Ghana Venskab Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships (CLIP) School for Life FOSDA Africa Education Watch Climate Development and Knowledge Network (CDKN)
Government and Institutional Collaborators: • • • • • • •
Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment National Youth Authority Ghana Education Service Ghana TVET Services Environmental Protection Agency MMDAs University for Development Studies (UDS)
Community Pillars:
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and guidance of the Traditional Authorities, Queen Mothers, Fulani Youth Association of Ghana (FUYAG), and community leaders who open doors and ensure our work is rooted in local realities.
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
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Section 6
Financial Performance YEFL Ghana is committed to the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency. In 2025, we continued to strengthen our financial management systems. Our financial transactions are managed in accordance with international accounting standards and specific donor requirements. Annual financial statements are prepared and audited by an independent audit firm. YEFL Ghana complies with all statutory financial obligations in Ghana
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Page | 38
Revenue Sources (FY 2025)
CISU/Ghana Venskab
-
867,770.54
Oxfam in Ghana
-
839,754.16
Wilde Ganzen/Blue Ambition
-
125,648.71
Education Out Loud
-
553,682.68
GAME/Dunk
-
39,182.27
Catholic Relief Services
-
1,981,470.31
Other Short Term Donors
-
538,863.52
Coginta
-
117,885.00
Canada Fund for Local Initiaves (CFLI)-
141,377.80
Total
EMPOWERMENT FOR LIFE ‘25 YOUTH ANNUAL REPORT
Ghc 5,205,634.99
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‘25
ANNUAL REPORT
EMPOWERING YOUTH, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
Across communities, we are seeing the power of youth to create lasting change. From climate-resilient livelihoods and women’s economic empowerment to youth advocacy, civic participation, social cohesion, and inclusive development, our work continues to be driven by one conviction: sustainable change begins when communities are empowered to lead it.This year’s achievements are more than numbers and project milestones. They are stories of communities finding their voice, women strengthening their economic independence, young people influencing national priorities, and families building more secure and resilient futures. We are grateful to our communities, partners, donors, and stakeholders whose trust, commitment, and collaboration make this journey possible.Together, we continue to turn community voices into action, challenges into opportunities, and shared aspirations into lasting impact.
ADDRESS Block B. House No: AZ 1077 Near the Malshegu Youth Centre, Malshegu, off the Kumbungu Road Digital Address NS-440-3376 Post Office Box TL2498 // Tamale Northern Region - Ghana
PHONE +233 (0) 243 252 844 +233 (0) 501 387 534 EMAIL info@yeflghana.org