Child- & Youthparliaments
The Youth Parliament is a concept developed by the Saboba Youth Centre (SYC). A dedicated group of young people and young adults meets regularly to organize political debates that strictly follow the procedures of sessions held by Ghana's Parliament in the capital, Accra.
These debates focus on issues that directly affect young people in Saboba, such as access to clean water, education, and digitalization. At the end of each session, participants vote on a final resolution. Afterward, the SYC and the Youth Parliament leaders forward the resolution to the relevant authorities and advocate for its implementation. One notable success was the repair of a poorly constructed road that frequently flooded during the rainy season after it was debated in Parliament. Other initiatives, such as the Green My Community project and the E-Library, also originated from Youth Parliament decisions.
In 2022, the SYC launched the Children's Parliament, which follows a similar concept but targets a younger audience. Members of the Youth Parliament introduce the children to parliamentary procedures, guiding them in organizing their first debates. Additionally, the children learn computer skills and online research techniques in the E-Library.
These activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of democratic processes and empower young people with a political voice. However, the Parliament is also a space for connection and enjoyment. Debates are spirited, with participants unafraid to provoke one another—but after the session, everyone leaves as friends.
One challenge facing the Youth Parliament is that many members leave due to time constraints when they enter the workforce. In Ghana’s society, which is strongly influenced by traditional gender roles, women often shoulder significant domestic responsibilities, particularly after marriage. The SYC is working on solutions to ensure that women can continue participating actively in the Parliament.