Ghana officially launched the Adwumawura Program, a flagship project designed to cultivate 10,000 young entrepreneurs across the nation.
This bold step marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey to reshape its economic future, focusing on harnessing the untapped potential of its youth population.
The launch event was attended by key figures, including Eric Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), who outlined the program’s mission and the broader vision for youth development under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
Eric Adjei emphasized that the program was not just a policy but a commitment to providing young men and women with opportunities to turn their dreams into reality.
“This is more than just a program. It is a lifeline for countless young individuals who rise each morning with big dreams but often face closed doors,” Adjei stated. “Under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, no dream is too small, no idea is too insignificant. We will help the youth soar.”
The Adwumawura Program is a continuation of President Mahama’s legacy of youth empowerment, first seeded in 2014 through the Youth Enterprise Support Fund. This initiative has evolved into the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), which has already helped thousands of young entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground.
Adjei highlighted several key interventions being implemented by NEIP, including the Presidential Innovation Challenge, which seeks to ignite youth-driven innovation in various sectors, including green entrepreneurship.
He also mentioned the Vice Presidential Empowerment Program for Women and Persons with Disabilities, which ensures that no one is left behind in the journey toward inclusive economic development.
“Through partnerships with development partners, industry players, and the youth themselves, we are poised to make this initiative a turning point for youth entrepreneurship in Ghana,” Adjei declared, stressing the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals.
The launch also highlighted other programs under NEIP’s umbrella, including initiatives aimed at promoting innovation in agriculture and the Presidential School Garden Initiative, which aims to cultivate green ideas and entrepreneurship from a young age.
Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, who was also present at the launch, underscored the significance of this moment in Ghana’s history.
“Today, we are officially launching the Adwumawura Program, which is designed to empower 10,000 young entrepreneurs. This is a historic initiative that aligns with the broader vision of youth empowerment under President Mahama’s leadership,” he said.
Mansfield further noted that the creation of a dedicated ministry for youth development and empowerment marks a major milestone in Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the economic inclusion and growth of its young people.
He expressed her appreciation for President Mahama’s unwavering support for the youth and his promise to provide the necessary resources and platforms for them to flourish.
The event also featured a speech from Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama, a representative from the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, who hailed the initiative as a timely opportunity for the youth of Ghana. “This program is not just well-crafted; it is a promise that President Mahama has made to the youth of Ghana. We are now on the right path to success, and we will ensure that every youth takes full advantage of this opportunity,” he said, warmly welcoming President Mahama and his entourage to Kumasi.
The Adwumawura Program is just one of many steps being taken to shift the narrative around youth entrepreneurship and economic transformation in Ghana. With the government’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures youth growth and development, the future is bright for young entrepreneurs across the nation.
As the program takes root, the nation’s youth are being called to seize the opportunity to actively participate in shaping their own futures, transforming dreams into tangible success.
This initiative promises not only to empower the youth but also to lay the foundation for a more prosperous, inclusive, and innovative Ghana.