Youth Must Demand Real Development, Not Temporary Favors – Jelvis Kwame Baidoo

Founder and Team Lead of the Jelvis Foundation, Mr. Jelvis Kwame Baidoo, has made a powerful call to action, urging the youth to rise above temporary political favors and instead demand sustainable development that will shape their future.

Speaking on the role of young people in Ghana’s democratic and developmental journey, Mr. Baidoo stressed that the youth hold the power to influence change but often settle for immediate gratification instead of long-term progress.

“As young people, do we need leaders who only satisfy our daily wants, or leaders who will shape our future? Personally, I believe the youth should stop begging politicians for coins and start demanding real development,” he emphasized.

According to Mr. Baidoo, true leadership is not about handouts but about policies and initiatives that secure opportunities for generations to come. He noted that the culture of politicians giving out money or gifts during elections undermines the true essence of leadership and reduces young people’s ability to hold leaders accountable.

He urged the youth to redefine their relationship with leadership by asking hard questions and pushing for policies in education, job creation, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship that can provide lasting solutions to the challenges of the community.

Mr. Baidoo further explained that the responsibility of building Ghana does not rest solely on politicians but also on the citizens, especially the youth who represent the largest portion of the population. He stressed that a nation thrives when its youth channel their energy into productivity, innovation, and accountability.

“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. The future is shaped by the choices we make now. If we continue to trade our voice for short-term gains, we risk losing our future to mediocrity,” he added.

The Jelvis Foundation, under Mr. Baidoo’s leadership, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering communities through education, skills training, and social impact projects. The foundation continues to stand as a platform for youth engagement, advocacy, and leadership development.

Mr. Baidoo’s message is a reminder that real progress comes from demanding accountability and sustainable policies, not settling for temporary handouts.