About Us

About Us

Institute of Youth Development Practitioners – Ghana (IYDPG)

The Institute of Youth Development Practitioners – Ghana (IYDPG) is a professional, non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organization committed to the promotion of excellence, ethics, and professionalism in youth development practice across Ghana.

Founded by a collective of experienced youth workers and development actors, IYDPG exists to provide a unified platform for youth development practitioners, researchers, institutions, and organizations to collaborate, build capacity, share knowledge, and advocate for impactful youth-focused policies and practices.

At the core of IYDPG’s mandate is the belief that youth development work must be strategic, evidence-based, and led by trained and competent professionals. The Institute works to professionalize the field, establish and uphold standards of practice, and support its members through continuous education, networking, and advocacy.

Our Mission

To professionalize and strengthen the capacity of youth development practitioners, promote evidence-based practice, and advocate for policies that support the well-being and empowerment of young people in Ghana by employing modern technological tools.

Our Strategic Objectives

• The main objective of the Institute is to professionalized youth development work, promote excellence, protect, and safeguard the rights, dignity, and welfare of youth development practitioners in Ghana. With the specific objectives as follows;
• To professionalized youth development work in Ghana
• To provide capacity-building programs and technical advice for youth development practitioners.
• To advocate alongside unions for improved industrial relations outcomes for member and young people.
• To facilitate and guide the activities of youth development practitioners in Ghana
• To conduct research and disseminate findings on youth development issues, best practices, and innovative approaches to promote evidence-based practice.
• To design, develop, implement and advocate for policies and programs that support the well-being and empowerment of young people in Ghana.
• To foster collaboration and networking among youth development practitioners, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Certificate members as certified youth development professionals in affiliation with accredited institutions both local and international.
• To organize an annual award for youth workers and young people by instituting Youth Workers Achievers’ (YoWA) Awards.

Who We Serve

• Individual youth development practitioners
• Youth-led and youth-serving organizations
• Academic and research institutions
• Policy-makers and development agencies
• Government and civil society actors focused on youth empowerment

Why Join IYDPG

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and conferences.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field.
• Resources: Access to publications, research, and best practices in youth development.
• Advocacy: Represent on issues affecting youth development workers and young people in the youth development sector.
• Certification: Eligibility to apply for certification as a youth development practitioner.

👉 Learn More About Membership

Our Vision

To become a leading institution in Ghana, promoting excellence in youth development practice (professionalization of youth work), research and policy.

Our Philosophy

At the Institute of Youth Development Practitioners – Ghana (IYDPG), we believe that sustainable national development is inseparable from the well-being, empowerment, and active participation of young people. Our philosophy is grounded in the conviction that youth development is a specialized field that demands professionalism, ethical conduct, and continuous learning.

We are committed to a people-centered, rights-based, and inclusive approach to youth development, one that respects the dignity, potential, and diversity of all young people. We view youth not merely as beneficiaries but as active partners in the design and delivery of development programmes and policies.

Our work is guided by the following core principles:

• Professionalism: Youth development is a field that must be practiced with competence, ethical standards, and accountability.
• Equity and Inclusion: Every young person deserves equal access to opportunities, regardless of background or circumstance.
• Collaboration: Multi-stakeholder engagement and partnerships are essential for effective youth development practice.
• Evidence-Based Action: Research, data, and learning inform all our interventions and policy advocacy.
• Capacity Building: Empowering practitioners strengthens the entire youth development ecosystem.

We believe that by empowering those who serve the youth, trainers, researchers, advocates, and institutions, we multiply the impact on young lives and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development goals.

Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV
Overlord of the Waala State

Chairperson

Achibald Donkor
Retired Youth Development Expert and Former Acting National Coordinator of the National Youth Authority Ghana

Vice Chairperson

Mumuni sulemana
Youth and Organizational Development Consultant and Executive Director IYDPG

Board Secretary

Dr. Gabriel Gbiel Bernaakuu
Advanced Organizational Development Certified Consultant (AODCC) and President of University College for Community and Organisational Development (UCCOD)

Member

Dr. Jennifer Asamani
Medical Doctor and Specialist
at Sunyani Regional Hospital

Member

Dr. Anould Mashoud
Lecturer Tamale Technical University and CEO of HYPERLINK Tamale

Member

Nana Hemaa Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II
Yamfo Mamhemaa and
CEO of Nana Darkowaa Foundation in Bono Region 

Member

Peter Akai Anum
Social Entrepreneurs and Youth Development Professional
President of Head of State Awards and Coordinator Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association

Member