Prof. Kobby Mensah Refutes Claims of Youth Apathy in Political Engagement; Says Economic, Employment Issues to Shape Youth Voting in Elections
Professor Kobby Mensah, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, has refuted the perception that the Ghanaian youth are apathetic towards political engagement, asserting that young people express their political concerns through various forms of activism, such as university protests and broader movements like the recent anti-galamsey demonstrations.
He made the assertion during the NorvanReports, GACC and BudgIT X Space Discussion on the Topic, “Thumbs and Voices: Reflections of Who and Why the Youth Will Vote For In Ghana’s and the US Elections,” on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Professor Mensah argued that the youth’s political participation often transcends traditional party politics, reflecting broader socio-economic issues that directly impact their lives.
He cited his own experience of student protests during the late 1990s, which were driven by economic grievances related to university fees. According to him, today’s youth remain similarly engaged, but their activism is increasingly focused on universal issues, such as environmental degradation, governance, and corruption.
“The youth’s participation is very much grounded in issues that concern them directly,” Professor Mensah said, adding that activism, like the recent protests against illegal mining, demonstrates their growing involvement in issues of national interest.
He further noted that social media has provided a platform for young people to express their opinions, making their voices more visible and impactful in the political arena.
Prof. Mensah also challenged the notion of a rural-urban divide in youth political behaviour, describing it as a political “propaganda tool” often used by parties to manipulate voting blocs. He argued that the aspirations of the youth in rural areas are not fundamentally different from those in urban centers, as both groups prioritize education, employment, and improved living standards.
According to Prof. Mensah, political messaging that seeks to divide these constituencies often misrepresents the realities of young voters across the country.
Looking ahead to the December 2024 elections in Ghana, Prof. Mensah identified three core issues that are likely to influence youth voting patterns: education, employment, and the economy. He emphasized that while broader themes like digitalization and governance are important, the most pressing concern for young voters remains job creation.
“Digitalization is important, but no one can deny that the most urgent issue for young people today is jobs,” he said.
Speaking further, Prof. Mensah underscored the need for political parties to align their campaign messages with the priorities of the youth, noting that relevance is key to winning their support.
“You have to ensure your message is not only relevant but broad enough to resonate with the majority of the population,” he said, adding that political parties risk losing ground if they fail to address the economic hardships facing young people today.
