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On Saturday, 16th August 2025, the Institute of Youth Development Practitioners, Ghana (IYDPG) partnered with the Waala State to host a grand ceremony at the Wa Naa’s Palace. The event was held during a Durbar of Chiefs and the People of the Wala Traditional Council to celebrate and honour distinguished personalities in the cooperative and financial sector.

The ceremony was organized in recognition of the National President of all Credit Unions in Ghana, and in honour of the Chief Executive Officer of the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), Mr. George Ombado.

Event Highlights

The colourful durbar featured traditional displays, cultural performances, and addresses from key leaders, including:

• The Wa Municipal Chief Executive
• The Upper West Regional Minister
• The WACCU Board Chairman
• The CEO of CUA Limited
• The CEO of ACCOSCA, Mr. George Ombado (Guest of Honour)
• Naa Puowelle Karbo III, Lawra Naa
• His Majesty The Wa Naa

The program combined rich cultural heritage with insightful remarks on leadership, cooperative finance, and community development. Dignitaries, chiefs, and community members gathered in solidarity to celebrate the significant role of credit unions in Ghana’s socio-economic advancement.

Strengthening Partnerships

This collaboration with the Waala State demonstrates IYDPG’s continued commitment to:

• Building strong institutional partnerships
• Celebrating leadership and excellence
• Empowering communities through inclusive development

The presence of Mr. George Ombado and other distinguished leaders underscored the growing importance of cooperatives and credit unions in driving sustainable economic empowerment across Ghana and Africa.

✨ IYDPG remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that blend tradition, leadership, and youth-focused development for national transformation.

On Saturday, 2nd August 2025, the Institute of Youth Development Practitioners, Ghana (IYDPG), in collaboration with Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), successfully organized an inter-departmental quiz competition on youth development issues in Ghana and beyond.

The event formed part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IYDPG and DHLTU to introduce a Youth Development Studies module into the university’s academic programme.

Participating Departments

The competition featured students from six departments:

• Building Technology
• Hospitality and Catering
• Estate Management
• Dispensing Technology
• Purchasing and Supply
• Civil Engineering

An Insightful and Impactful Event

The quiz provided a stimulating and intellectually engaging platform for students to deepen their understanding of youth development. Participants demonstrated not only academic brilliance but also teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, qualities that are essential in addressing today’s youth-related challenges.

Advancing Youth Development Education

This initiative underscores IYDPG’s commitment to:

• Empowering young people with relevant knowledge and skills.
• Professionalizing youth development work in Ghana.
• Strengthening the role of tertiary institutions in shaping future leaders.

Through this partnership, the introduction of Youth Development Studies at DHLTU is expected to provide students with both theoretical and practical insights into leadership, civic engagement, and community development.

Looking Ahead

The inter-departmental quiz marks the beginning of a series of collaborative programmes under the IYDPG–DHLTU MoU. Together, both institutions aim to create a strong academic foundation for youth development and contribute to national transformation through education.

On Saturday, 5th July 2025, students of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University in Wa embarked on a new academic journey as part of a strategic partnership between the University and the Institute of Youth Development Practitioners – Ghana (IYDPG). The collaboration seeks to professionalize youth work in Ghana through the introduction of a dedicated Youth Studies module under the African Studies course.

The first facilitation session was led by Mr. Mumuni Sulemana, Executive Director of IYDPG, who engaged students in a thought-provoking discussion on Ghana’s youth policies and their impact on national development. The session aimed to help students appreciate the importance of youth-focused policy frameworks and the roles they can play in shaping a better future for young people across the country.

This semester-long engagement is more than just academic. It represents a forward-looking effort to integrate youth development principles into higher education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.

Through this partnership, IYDPG and Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University are laying the foundation for a new generation of professional youth workers, advocates, and leaders who are informed, empowered, and ready to make a difference.

Stay tuned as we journey through this transformative semester, one session at a time.