For many young people in Ho, the absence of safe, accessible spaces to connect, express themselves, and showcase their talents has long limited their growth and creativity.

In this episode of the Young and Safe Diaries, host Joanna Nana Ama Kwame sits down with Dennis Kotoku (Finance Officer, Young and Safe) and Tony Skhid (Winner, Young and Loud 2024 – Art Category) to discuss how the Young and Safe Project is addressing this challenge.

The conversation begins by unpacking the social and creative gaps young people face, then moves into the project’s response — from designing a multipurpose Youth Park to building youth-led talent platforms like the Young and Loud Festival (YNL). The guests share insights into the implementation process, the key enablers of progress, and the hurdles overcome to bring these spaces to life.

The episode wraps up with thoughtful recommendations for city leaders, cultural institutions, and development partners on how to sustain and expand safe, creative environments where young people can truly thrive.

The Young and Safe Diaries is an initiative by the Young and Safe Project under the Healthy Cities for Adolescents program (HCA ||) funded by Fondation Botnar.

Read more about the Young and Safe Project: https://nodeeight.org/young-and-safe/