HON. DR. ZANETOR Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey-Korle, delivered a powerful and emotional address at the 46th anniversary of the June 4th Uprising, urging African leaders to stop sidelining the youth and instead give them a central role in governance and national transformation.
Reflecting on the legacy of her father, the late President Jerry John Rawlings, Zanetor emphasized the need for courage, conviction and truth in political leadership – qualities she asserted are increasingly rare in today’s political climate.
“Love him or hate him, Papa J was a man who had the courage of his convictions – a man of his word, which is more than I can say for some today,” she said to resounding applause.
Zanetor placed Ghana’s democratic journey in a broader regional context, noting the resurgence of military-led governments across West Africa and warning that Ghana remains one of the few constitutional democracies left untouched by coup d’états.
“With many countries in the subregion witnessing the suspension of constitutions and term limits, we Ghanaians must recognize the privileged and fragile position we are in,” she said. “Our democracy did not come cheap.”
Speaking to Ghana’s youth, she called for their empowerment and meaningful participation – not just as beneficiaries but as partners and decision-makers in policy formulation, peace-building, and national development.
“Youth are not a threat to be contained, nor a problem to be solved,” she declared. “True inclusivity gives young men and women a seat at the table as architects of our developmental agenda.”
Citing international frameworks like the UN Security Council Resolutions 2250 and 2419, the African Youth Charter, and Agenda 2063, she underscored the critical role youth can play in preventing violent extremism, enhancing peace, and building resilient societies.
Zanetor also expressed concern over rising cynicism among young people disillusioned by democratic systems that have failed to deliver meaningful change. She challenged African leaders to go beyond lip service and invest in the continent’s youth through access to finance, mentorship, technology, and political inclusion.
As Ghana approaches a possible constitutional review, Zanetor called for “utmost caution” and collective vigilance to protect the gains of the Fourth Republic, now in its 33rd year.
“Jesus was 33 when he was crucified,” she noted metaphorically. “Let us not crucify our Republic at 33.”
Her speech concluded with a rallying call to action: “The youth are not window dressing. They are not props. They are the future – and the now.”
The event served both as a memorial to the historic uprising of June 4, 1979 and a sobering reminder of the unfinished work of democratic and youth-centered governance in Africa.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
