Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF) and members of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament have earned international commendation following their impactful participation in the 2026 Global Learning Forum organised by Ecorys UK under the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Phase II (HCA-II) initiative, funded by Fondation Botnar.
The week-long global forum, held in Ho from February 2 to February 6, 2026, convened adolescents and duty bearers from 17 cities across six countries including India, Colombia, Senegal, Ghana, Vietnam, and Ecuador to exchange experiences, share innovations and strengthen collaboration on advancing adolescent wellbeing in the rapidly urbanising environments.
GLOMEF’s participation drew particular attention, reflecting the growing global recognition of its Resilient City for Adolescents (RCA) project being implemented in Sunyani in partnership with Citizens Watch Ghana and the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network. The project continues to be cited as a model for promoting meaningful adolescent engagement, inclusive governance, and adolescent-led advocacy.
Speaking at the forum and subsequently engaging the media on the sidelines, the Programmes Director of Healthy Cities for Adolescents, Ms. Kathryn Scurfield, commended the depth of engagement demonstrated by young participants, particularly those from Sunyani under the Resilient City for Adolescents project.
“What we have witnessed here is a compelling reminder that adolescents are not merely beneficiaries of development interventions but essential actors in shaping resilient and inclusive cities,” she stated.
Ms. Scurfield noted that the leadership, clarity of thought, and confidence displayed by the Sunyani adolescents illustrated the transformative impact of investing in adolescent participation.
“I am amazed by the work GLOMEF and its partners are doing in Sunyani. It’s absolutely incredible. Given the short amount of time to implement this project, the fact that they have been able to mobilise members for the Adolescents Parliament and exert such influence in the city of Sunyani is truly remarkable. The systemic change that is happening there is equally impressive,” she said.
Ms. Scurfield further observed that the influence of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament extends beyond Ghana’s borders. She revealed that other countries, including India, are exploring the adoption of the Adolescents Parliament concept to provide young people with vibrant platforms to discuss issues, engage local authorities and influence policy decisions, similar to what is being achieved in Sunyani.
She expressed optimism that adolescents under the HCA initiative across the globe would be able to influence and mentor other young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence acquired, thereby catalysing greater change and nurturing new leaders for the future.
A Lead Fellow in ACT Indore Adolescents for Climate Transformation in India, Ms. Kashish Bais, also lauded the RCA project by GLOMEF, particularly the establishment of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament.
According to her, “that Parliament has nurtured young people who are already emerging as leaders with exceptional qualities and can compete anywhere in the world. I truly admire and feel proud whenever Daniel, the Speaker of the Parliament, mounts the stage to facilitate sessions at the forum. He is brave, intelligent, fluent, and leads with positive audacity.”
Indeed, a defining moment of the forum was the prominent leadership role played by Master Daniel Frimpong Sarkodie, Speaker of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament, who served as one of the co-hosts of the international gathering. His role was widely praised by participants and organisers as a powerful demonstration of adolescent leadership and Ghana’s expanding influence within global adolescent development conversations.
Other adolescent representatives from Sunyani - Philippa Agyei Asumadu, Edmond Osei Kwadwo, Sai Blessing, Justice Kwadwo Wiado and Ishaq Umar Rahima actively contributed as panelists, participants and adolescent journalists. Their involvement went beyond attendance, as they engaged in panel discussions, reflective sessions, interviews and story writings among others.
Throughout the forum, deliberations emphasised the critical role of adolescent participation in shaping urban policies and development strategies. Participants underscored the need for cities to move beyond tokenistic engagement towards structured, and sustained mechanisms that empower young people as co-creators of solutions. Discussions highlighted the interconnected nature of adolescent wellbeing, linking governance, mental health, safe public spaces, and digital inclusion.
The Chief Executive Officer of GLOMEF, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu described the forum as a significant milestone for Ghana’s adolescent-focused initiatives. He noted that the active involvement of Sunyani adolescents validated years of deliberate investment in adolescent leadership and civic engagement platforms.
He stressed that the Global Learning Forum had reaffirmed that when adolescents are provided with the right structures, mentorship and opportunities, they contribute meaningfully to policy discourse and social change.
Mr. Ahenu said the performance of his team from Sunyani at the event reflected the strength of the RCA project and the importance of sustaining adolescent-led governance mechanisms.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Citizens Watch Ghana, Mr. Simon Asore, emphasised the governance implications of adolescent engagement. He stressed that inclusive development requires integrating adolescent voices into decision-making processes at all levels.
He said, adolescents bring unique perspectives that enrich governance and policy outcomes. Mr. Asore insisted that “accountability, inclusion and sustainable urban development could be more strengthened when young people are treated as partners rather than spectators.”
For the adolescent participants, the forum provided not only a global learning experience but also an opportunity for personal growth and expanded civic awareness.
Ms. Philippa Agyei Asumadu, Member of the Sunyani Adolescents Parliament described the forum as eye-opening, noting that interactions with peers from different countries revealed shared challenges and opportunities.
“I realised that adolescents across the world face similar issues, whether it is access to safe spaces or mental health support. The experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate for adolescent-friendly policies in my city.”
Justice Kwadwo Wiado highlighted the value of serving as an adolescent journalist during the event.
“Reporting on the forum made me appreciate the power of media in influencing public discourse and policy. It reinforced the importance of responsible storytelling in advancing adolescent wellbeing,” he observed.
Ms. Ishaq Umar Rahima, adolescent journalist and key participant at the forum reflected on the significance of discussions surrounding mental health.
“The conversations helped deepen my understanding of adolescents wellbeing. They reminded us that emotional and social support systems are just as important as physical development,” she noted.
Beyond formal sessions, the forum strengthened cross-country relationships, fostered partnerships, networking and encouraged collaborative reflection on scaling adolescent-responsive interventions. Participants collectively acknowledged the need for sustained investments in youth leadership, innovation, and policy engagement.
As part of the programme, the participants embarked on a sightseeing tour of the Shai Hills Animal Park in Accra, providing an avenue for cultural exchange, relaxation and peer bonding.
The 2026 Global Learning Forum concluded with renewed commitments by stakeholders to deepen adolescent participation, strengthen adolescent-led advocacy and advance policies that promote healthier and more inclusive urban environments.
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