Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu: Championing Development and Governance for Nearly Two Decades
Eurocities 2024 in Cluj-Napoca provided a vibrant platform for leaders and changemakers from around the world to come together and share their visions for the future. Among these inspiring voices was Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and urban sustainability in West Africa. In an exclusive interview with Future Hubs, Ibrahim shared his insights on how cities can better support their citizens, especially the younger generation, and why these initiatives are crucial for the future of Ghana and beyond.
Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu has nearly 20 years of experience in development management, civil society strengthening, and social development. He is skilled in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, institutional capacity building, and policy influencing. He has led various social development and governance programs, including the Ghanaian-Danish Communities Programme and the $36 million STAR-Ghana initiative. Ibrahim-Tanko has collaborated extensively with the Government of Ghana, international NGOs, and bilateral aid agencies, bringing deep expertise in governance, accountability, and development cooperation. He is well-versed in working with international partners like USAID, CIDA, DfID, and DANIDA.
The Importance of City-to-City Support
“I’ve been here since Sunday because we have a program with the city of Cluj,” Ibrahim began, expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome. He emphasized the significance of the topics discussed at Eurocities 2024, particularly how cities can support one another, nurture their youth, and become more sustainable.
“These are very important topics for West Africa and Ghana,” Ibrahim noted. He highlighted the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in Ghana, where people are moving to new areas, often without adequate planning. “That’s why these sessions are so useful for me,” he added, acknowledging the value of learning from other cities’ experiences.
Projects for a Brighter Future
Ibrahim’s work in Ghana is focused on creating more inclusive cities through projects that engage young people in the decision-making process. “We are implementing projects in two cities in Ghana: Furidjia East and Accra, which is the municipal capital,” he explained. The goal of these projects is to make cities more youth-friendly and to encourage young people to actively participate in governance.
Ibrahim is part of STAR Ghana, an organization dedicated to Strengthening Responsibility by supporting active citizenship and encouraging young people to take an active role in their communities. “This is my first time at Eurocities,” he said, reflecting on his experience.
“We met the Mayor of Cluj, and I think we all left quite inspired by the discussions that took place.”
Good News for Youth Empowerment
In a world often overshadowed by negative headlines, Ibrahim shared some truly positive news. “We are working with 12 youth organizations. The good news is that we’ve been able to engage young people to begin making demands,” he said with enthusiasm.
With Ghana’s elections approaching in December, Ibrahim and his team are working closely with the youth to create a youth manifesto—a crucial step in ensuring that young voices are heard in the political arena.
“Housing is a common problem everywhere (…) but in terms of education, housing, health, and the climate, young people are often overlooked. Everyone keeps saying that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but in order to become the leaders of tomorrow, they need to be considered and supported today.”
Ibrahim-Tank Amidu, Ghana
Looking Ahead: The Role of Youth in Sustainability
Ibrahim passionately spoke about the role of young people in addressing climate change and other pressing global issues. “The issues of climate change are very important, and if we don’t focus on the challenges of today, tomorrow will be even more filled with problems,” he warned. He noted that young people are often more committed to pro-environmental ideas than others, making their involvement in sustainability efforts even more critical.
Read more Good News discussed at Eurocities 2024!
A Vision for the Future
Ibrahim emphasized that empowering youth and building sustainable cities are essential actions for today. His work in Ghana, combined with insights from Eurocities 2024, underscores the need for collaboration, innovation, and relentless pursuit of a better future.
At Future Hubs, we are committed to sharing these stories of good news and positive change. Ibrahim Tanko Amidu’s journey is a testament to the power of youth, the importance of sustainable urban planning, and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on the world.
Ghana Celebrates Agotime Kente Festival: A Cultural Triumph
Ghana recently marked the 2024 Agotime Kente Festival, celebrating cultural pride and heritage preservation. Held annually in the Volta Region, the festival honors Kente weaving, a traditional Ghanaian textile symbolizing African identity.
This year’s event featured vibrant displays, including a chiefs’ parade in regal Kente cloth, traditional dance performances, and exhibitions showcasing the intricate Kente weaving process. The festival not only highlights Ghana’s rich traditions but also fosters community unity and promotes cultural continuity to younger generations and the global audience. The Agotime Kente Festival remains a beacon of cultural pride and unity in Ghana.
Sources:
- Politico Ghana
- The Accra Times