YDG "Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.

It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life."Nelson Mandela. Based on these words, we may view that the aid of the western world (in terms of fair-trade) on Ghanas coco production, where farmers wages are slightly increased, rather than making a true impact on poor communities, is merely a temporary solution to an ever-growing problem. The eradication of poverty is not only a matter of conscience; it is a requirement for the security and prosperity of humanity. Freedom from poverty is a fundamental human right. Ghana produces high quality coco that earns a premium price on the world market. In fact it produces 11% of the worlds total and it is the largest single source of foreign exchange to Ghana. Furthermore, the sale of coco accounts for 70-100% of coco farmers household incomes. Given the significance of the coco trade and in order to make a real difference in this culture, we must educate and empower the people of Ghana, in order for its future generations to benefit; after all The foundation of every state is the education of its youth- Diogenes Laertius. In the case of the empowerment of Ghana, a nation with so much potential, but no resources to take advantage of it, surely to educate is the best solution or resource? After all Education is the best provision for old age Aristotle. In other words, education is the only thing that will last and provide a long-term effect. Therefore, we may view education as a form of microfinance; providing Ghanaians, more specifically the youth, with a foundation in which to fully overcome poverty. Rather than allowing children to be taken advantage of through trafficking and jobs such as fishing and mining, we must ensure that each child is provided with the long-term benefits of education, rather than menial short-term benefits of child labour. This is the current aim of YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GHANA, and although we are aware of the size and complexity of the issue at hand, we shall strive to obtain these basic rights to the youth of Ghana.