YEC GOVERNANCE PROGRAM
“Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders through Simulated Governance Experiences.”
The Youth Empowerment Consortium (YEC) runs the YEC Governance Program. This is a transformative youth leadership and governance development initiative designed to train, engage, and inspire young people to understand and actively participate in politics and governance processes globally.
Through practical simulations that mirror the governance structure of Ghana for the current program, the program helps youth experience the workings of government first-hand.
From parliamentary debates to cabinet decision-making, diplomacy, and judicial processes. It’s not just about politics — it’s about policy, leadership, integrity, and nation building.
1. Youth Model Parliament (YMP)
“Where young voices become national voices.”
The Youth Model Parliament is a realistic simulation of Ghana’s Parliament where young leaders act as Members of Parliament. They debate motions, draft policies, propose bills, and engage in discussions on national issues just like in the real Parliament of Ghana. As a leadership development training program, this is for leadership development purposes only.
How It Operates
Participants are assigned constituencies, districts, youth-led NGOs or represent special interest groups. They undergo intensive orientation on parliamentary procedure, leadership communication, and public policy development with added trainings on NGO development and financing.
Sessions are held in-person and on virtual platforms. Sessions are held in committees, caucuses, and full parliamentary sittings, all guided by real parliamentary ethics and rules of debate.
Benefits
- Develops public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.
- Builds understanding of law-making and governance.
- Offers networking opportunities with policymakers and MPs.
- Empowers youth to become agents of democratic accountability.
- Start and run an NGO or your community initiative.
The Experience
Lively debates, mock motions, and policy simulations — every sitting feels like the real Parliament floor!
Each member starts and runs a community project during their one-year tenure.
2. Youth Model Cabinet (YMC)
“Leadership in action; where ideas meet execution.”
What It Is
The Youth Model Cabinet simulates Ghana’s Executive branch, giving participants the opportunity to serve as Ministers, Deputy Ministers, or Heads of Agencies. They make collective decisions, design policies, and learn to balance competing national interests.
How It Operates
Cabinet teams are formed around key sectors like Education, Health, Agriculture, Trade, Environment, etc. Members engage in strategic planning, crisis response drills, and inter-ministerial coordination sessions. Each Cabinet meets to review youth-related policy proposals from the Model Parliament and decide on implementation frameworks.
Benefits
- Cultivates strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure.
- Teaches policy formulation and executive responsibility.
- Enhances teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
- Gives real-world insight into how Cabinets govern nations.
The Experience
Intense meetings, media briefings, and simulated press conferences — participants experience what it means to lead at the national level.
3. Youth Diplomats Model (YDM)
“Representing Ghana to the world; diplomacy through youthful eyes.”
What It Is
The Youth Diplomats Model trains participants to think globally. It mirrors the operations of Ghana’s foreign missions, the African Union, and the United Nations. Young leaders act as Ambassadors, High Commissioners, or Delegates engaging in international dialogue and negotiations.
How It Operates
Participants simulate global conferences, UN assemblies, and diplomatic negotiations on issues like peace, trade, climate change, and human rights. They are trained in protocol, cross-cultural communication, and international policy development.
Benefits
- Builds global awareness and negotiation skills.
- Enhances understanding of international relations and diplomacy.
- Prepares youth for roles in foreign affairs, international NGOs, and global advocacy.
- Promotes cross-border collaboration among young leaders.
The Experience
Summit-style discussions, multilateral agreements, and global policy pitches — youth become Ghana’s diplomats to the world.
4. Youth Judicial Council (YJC)
“Justice, fairness, and leadership; building a culture of accountability.”
What It Is
The Youth Judicial Council simulates Ghana’s Judiciary system. Participants play roles such as Judges, Lawyers, or Legal Advisors; hearing youth-related cases, interpreting laws, and practicing judicial ethics.
How It Operates
Through courtroom simulations, legal drafting sessions, and mock hearings, participants explore the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law. They deliberate on issues emerging from the Youth Parliament and Cabinet simulations to ensure accountability within the system.
Benefits
- Strengthens analytical reasoning and legal literacy.
- Encourages integrity, justice, and civic responsibility.
- Provides mentorship by law practitioners and judicial officers.
- Prepares youth for careers in law, advocacy, and governance.
The Experience
Courtroom simulations, case arguments, and constitutional interpretation sessions — youth learn to uphold justice the right way.
The YEC Governance Experience
Every arm of the YEC Governance Program is interconnected, creating a full-circle learning experience that mirrors how governance truly works.
This ecosystem doesn’t just teach governance — it builds it from within.
Why Join?
Because governance begins with YOU. Because leadership is learned by doing. Because Ghana’s next leaders are already here — inside the YEC Governance Program.