Accra, Ghana – The Scout and Guide Fellowship Ghana (SGF-Gh) is spearheading a vital initiative to revitalize the scouting and guiding movement, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful in the 21st century. Recognizing the pressing need to align this movement with the nation’s developmental goals, SGF-Gh President Andrew Botchway is championing efforts to adapt to contemporary challenges. This includes a renewed focus on equipping young people with essential skills to address leadership gaps and contribute to Ghana’s progress. The ultimate goal is to fully integrate Scouting Ghana into the national development agenda.

“There was an urgent need to revive the movement and make it a significant part of the country development agenda,” said Mr. Botchway during a recent capacity-building workshop in Accra. The workshop, focusing on empowering scout and guide leaders with 21st-century skills, underscored the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment and national development. The emphasis is on ensuring that Guiding Ghana is not just a pastime, but a powerful force for positive change.

The necessity for re-energizing Scouting Ghana and Guiding Ghana stems from the evolving landscape of national development. Mr. Botchway emphasized that scouting and guiding must adapt to address modern challenges and contribute effectively to Ghana’s progress. One significant issue is the leadership gap in many schools and communities, where trained leaders are lacking, hindering the holistic development of young individuals. The recent workshop, themed “Empowering Scouts and Guides Leaders with 21st Century Skills to Equip Youth in Achieving the MDG 2&3 and SDGs 1-5,” aimed to bridge this gap.

Mr. Botchway highlighted that certain 21st-century skills are indispensable for today’s scouts and guides. These include critical thinking, teamwork, and digital literacy. He emphasized that these skills are not merely academic exercises but practical tools necessary for navigating the complexities of the modern world. The national capacity-building workshop in Accra was strategically designed to impart these skills to leaders, who in turn can mentor and guide the youth effectively. The workshop sought to rebuild leadership capacity nationwide, particularly targeting schools and communities where trained leaders are scarce. By fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and digital literacy, Guiding Ghana aims to prepare young individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, contributing to overall Youth Development Ghana.

To amplify the impact of these efforts, Mr. Botchway called for enhanced collaboration between SGF-Gh and core scouting/guiding associations. He stressed the importance of a unified front, stating, “We are not a separate entity—we exist to support and strengthen the scouts and guides.” This collaborative approach aims to streamline resources, improve training programs, and ultimately, maximize the positive influence of scouting and guiding on Youth Development Ghana. A unified movement ensures that more young people benefit from the programs and values instilled by these organizations.

Ghana has set its sights on the international stage, demonstrating its commitment to the global scouting community. The nation is actively bidding to host the 2027 ISGF World Conference, competing against Senegal, Mexico, Kuwait, and Greece. Winning the bid would not only spotlight Ghana’s dedication to scouting and guiding but also offer a platform to showcase the country’s rich culture and developmental strides. Furthermore, plans are underway for “The Ghana Experience” Jamboree in 2026, a major international event expected to attract scouts, guides, and fellowship members from around the world. Hosting these international events could significantly boost Ghana’s tourism sector and elevate its presence within the global scouting fraternity.

Stephanie Birikorang, Executive Secretary, emphasized the critical role of leadership and community service within the scouting and guiding movement. “Our mission is to support adult scouts and guides and contribute to national development through service, leadership, and lifelong learning,” she stated. This underscores the importance of continuous learning, civic responsibility, and teamwork, all of which are vital for sustaining the relevance and impact of scouting and guiding. These values not only shape individual character but also contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.

The training initiatives organized by SGF-Gh are comprehensive, covering various essential topics, including leadership, project planning, communication, civic responsibility, nation-building, self-reliance, and preparing scouts and guides for the age of artificial intelligence. This multifaceted approach is part of a broader strategy to empower members and enhance their contributions to national development. As one participant noted, “This workshop is not just about learning new skills—it is about renewing our commitment to serve and lead with integrity.” This commitment to service and leadership is at the heart of the re-energized scouting and guiding movement in Ghana.

The re-energizing of Scouting Ghana and Guiding Ghana, championed by the SGF-Gh and President Andrew Botchway, signifies a pivotal moment in equipping the nation’s youth with the skills and values essential for the 21st century. By prioritizing critical thinking, teamwork, and digital literacy, while fostering collaboration and community service, SGF-Gh aims to position the scouting and guiding movement as a central force in Ghana’s development agenda. The forthcoming international events and ongoing training initiatives underscore a firm commitment to this vision. The call to action is clear: support and engage in these endeavors to empower the next generation of leaders and contribute to a more promising future for Ghana.