Accra: The Technical Working Groups of the Adwumawura and the National Apprenticeship Programme have been inaugurated with a charge on the members to work diligently to submit their reports within two weeks. Mr. George Opare Addo, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, who inaugurated the committees, emphasized that the submission of the reports would pave the way for the launch of the two flagship initiatives of the government.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Adwumawura and the National Apprenticeship Programme are expected to be launched on April 23, 2025, and April 30, 2025, respectively. Mr. Opare Addo, in his address, noted that the initiatives reflect the vision of President Mahama for the youth’s development. He highlighted the importance of nurturing the young citizens’ potential in innovation, entrepreneurship, and ambition to transform them into pillars of society.
Mr. Opare Addo urged the Technical Working Groups to embrace their roles and collaborate towards realizing this vision. He encouraged partners to align their resources and efforts with the mission of the Ministry and the government, aiming to enhance education and employment opportunities, alleviate poverty, and foster a more inclusive society.
The Minister announced the establishment of a Secretariat at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to facilitate and oversee the coordination and evaluation of both programmes. The Adwumawura Programme, implemented by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP), aims to empower 10,000 young Ghanaians between the ages of 18 and 35 to launch and grow their businesses, addressing the rising unemployment rates among the youth.
Through this programme, the Ministry is committed to providing necessary support in terms of training, financing, skills development, and preferential opportunities for young entrepreneurs to realize their business dreams. The National Apprenticeship Programme is intended to cultivate self-employment through free technical and vocational training for the youth, with successful apprentices receiving certificates, start-up capital, and equipment necessary to establish their businesses.