MASO is a five year programme, focused on creating employment opportunities for the youth (aged 18-25) in Ghana’s cocoa communities.
Youth in the MASO programme have successfully elected their district representatives to the MASO Youth Network. This is in line with establishing the governance structures of the youth Network. The Network is made up of alumni from both the MASO Coco and MASO Business Academies. It provides a platform for young people to connect, share ideas and best practices. The network will support them to inspire and challenge one another.
The network, also known as MASO CONNECT will provide a common voice for young people to engage in policy dialogue.
The district executives have oversight responsibilities for all network related activities in their various operational areas. The district level elections will pave the way for the elections of national level executives. They will take leadership at the highest level of the network.
The executives were elected from Adansi South; Sefwi Wiawso, Bia West, Sefwi Akontombra, Assin North, Assin South, Asunafo North; Ho West, Afadjato South Districts, as well as Hohoe and Sunyani Municipalities.
The Structure of the Youth Network
The Youth Network has three levels, the Community, District and National levels. At the Community level, elected executives oversee the operations and activities of its members within the community. It also ensures the community is well represented at major MASO events. The executives are elected by the youth within the MASO communities. The various communities come together to make up a district. The district executives are elected by the community leaders. The elected leaders have oversight responsibilities for all network related activities in their districts. The highest level of the Youth Network structure is the National level leadership which is elected by all district representatives. The election for the National level leadership is slated for September 2017. An advisory Board will also be constituted to provide technical guidance and support to the National Executive and the youth network in general.
The Youth Network will be launched and the work of this alumni group will formally commence when the structures are completely established.
