Govt sets up technical committees to drive youth entrepreneurship

The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has inaugurated technical working groups to oversee the implementation of the government’s flagship, Adwumawura and National Apprenticeship Programmes (NAP).

The two initiatives, set to be rolled out in April, are designed to address youth unemployment and skills development in the country and as such, both technical committees are to submit a detailed report on the policies within two weeks beginning from the day of inauguration.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Mr Addo said the occasion kickstarted the initiatives that embody the vision of President John Dramani Mahama for the development of the youth.

He stressed that while young people are full of potential, they face significant challenges such as skills gaps and limited opportunities. However, he expressed confidence in the government’s vision to equip them for meaningful employment.

“To this end, these working committees, composed of passionate and skilled individuals from various sectors, are tasked with the development of comprehensive strategies for the implementation of two flagship initiatives: the Adwumawura Programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme,” he said.

Adwumawura

The Adwumawura Programme, to be implemented by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), will support 10,000 young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 to start and grow businesses.

The chairman of the technical working group for the programme, Eric Adjei, and his team have been tasked with recommending viable start-ups, ensuring fairness in selection and developing measures to sustain businesses, including addressing taxation and regulatory challenges.

“The Adwumawura Programme aims to empower 10,000 young Ghanaians between the ages of 18 and 35 to launch and grow their businesses, effectively addressing the rising unemployment rates among our youth,” Mr Addo stated.

“Through this programme, we are committed to providing the necessary support, in terms of training, financing, skills development, and preferential opportunities, for young entrepreneurs to realise their business dreams,” he added.

The programme is set to be launched on April 23, 2025.

NAP

Similarly, the National Apprenticeship Programme, to be implemented by the National Youth Authority (NYA), will provide free technical and vocational training to young people, equipping them with skills, certification, start-up capital, and tools to establish their businesses.

Osman Ayariga, chairman of the technical committee for the programme, and his team have been directed to, among others, review the National Apprenticeship Policy, evaluate market needs and establish a robust implementation framework.

“As we move forward, the committee responsible for this programme will review the National Apprenticeship Policy, evaluate market needs, and establish a robust implementation strategy that includes selection criteria, mentorship, and sustainable growth pathways for our apprentices,” the minister said.

He further directed the technical committee to submit a detailed policy report within two weeks ahead of the programme’s official launch on April 30, 2025.

Mr Addo gave an assurance that a dedicated secretariat would be established at the ministry to coordinate and evaluate both programmes, adding, “I charge you, as champions for our youth and catalysts for change, to embrace your roles and collaborate towards realising this vision.”