Youth Empowerment Programmes and Civic Education in Ghanaian Cities: An Analysis of Participation Rates in Kenyan Contexts

Youth empowerment programmes in Ghanaian cities have been implemented to enhance civic education and community engagement among young people. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from survey responses with qualitative insights gathered through interviews with programme coordinators and focus group discussions with participants. The analysis revealed a significant disparity in participation rates between urban and rural areas within Ghanaian cities, where youth from affluent backgrounds were more likely to participate in civic education programmes compared to their less privileged peers. While the programmes show promise for fostering community engagement among young people, there is a need for increased accessibility and inclusivity to ensure broader participation and impact. Recommendations include enhancing outreach efforts targeting economically disadvantaged youth groups and integrating more diverse thematic content in civic education programmes to better resonate with all participants.