Youth participation in Ghana and Kenya

I am now in Ghana, and would like to introduce my study on the role, representation and participation of youth in the main political parties in my two research countries: Ghana and Kenya.

Until now, I have researched at NIMD headquarters and read about participatory and representation theories. The youth bulge theory claims for instance that the bulk of the population in developing countries is young and energetic. This should or could be linked to the potential of this young population in the democratization processes in Ghana and Kenya. as well as in other developing countries.

I will blog on the interactions I will have during my fieldwork with politically active youth. I will speak with them on the extent and level of involvement of youth in politics within political parties. These interactions will be based on interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. From the questionnaires especially I hope to get insight on youth in politics with respect  to their representation through the  main political parties in Parliament.

In a way, in my study I seek answers to whether there is a causal link between democratic transition and consolidation and the involvement of youth in politics as the youth is the biggest part of the population. Instead of associating the role of youth in African politics with destruction, rampant vandalism and ethnic conflict, this study is an effort to locate and harness the positive energy of youth towards progressive political, economic and social development in its countries.

I believe, that the successful completion of this study could be ground-breaking for YNIMD and partner organizations. Not only will it offer perceptions of both youth politicians and 'older' politicians on the role of  youth representation and participation, but it will also explore how and to what extent the youth can stimulate democratization processes. Furthermore, the contacts I will make within this research period, will lead to a valuable network for YNIMD and the youth partner constituencies in both Ghana and Kenya, so that they will be able collaborate together in the future.

The first meeting I had was with NUGS - the National Union of Ghana Students -. I talked with them on their internal organization, their programmes, their concerns and their links with political parties and government. More interviews and talks will follow, and I will update you on that.