Ghana’s youth are being called to the forefront of national transformation, as the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment unveils a new action plan aimed at turning young Ghanaians into engines of economic growth.
Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr. George Opare Addo, said the government’s new youth policy framework would not only tackle unemployment but also unlock opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business creation across every sector.
Speaking at the launch of the State of the Youth Address (SOYA 2025) in Accra, Mr. Opare Addo disclosed that the Ministry had identified five key pillars for empowering Ghana’s youth, which were health and well-being, education and skills training, economic empowerment, civic engagement and leadership development.
He explained that the new plan aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda”, which places young people at the centre of Ghana’s economic recovery.
“This is not just about jobs but it’s about creating a generation of doers and dreamers who can compete globally,” he said. “We are equipping young Ghanaians to build businesses, create value, and lead change.”
The Minister announced that the Ministry would work closely with the private sector, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Employers’ Association, and the Private Enterprises Federation to introduce structured workplace learning, graduate internships, and business mentorship programmes.
He revealed plans to align secondary and tertiary education with entrepreneurial and digital skills, so that students can “graduate with a business mindset.”
“Every student must leave school ready for work whether as an employee or an entrepreneur,” Mr. Opare Addo stressed.
Recognizing that many youth-led ventures struggle with red tape, the Ministry will collaborate with SSNIT, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Registrar of Companies to simplify registration and tax compliance for MSMEs and start-ups.
New policy incentives will reward businesses that hire and train young graduates, while urban skills hubs will be established in major cities to provide training that matches employer needs in emerging industries such as tech, manufacturing, and the creative arts.
He said the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), and the National Service Authority (NSA) would take the lead in scaling up these youth-focused initiatives.
The Ministry is also set to expand the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura Initiative, offering thousands of young Ghanaians hands-on training in high-demand trades.
Special attention will be given to young women, with plans to standardize domestic and care sector jobs as viable, well-paid professions under the Ministry of Labour’s oversight.
Mr. Opare Addo urged young people to take ownership of these opportunities by applying, enrolling, and investing their time and creativity.
“The future will belong to those who show up, those who innovate, collaborate, and lead with discipline and integrity,” he said.
He assured youth that the government remains committed to “fixing the gaps” and creating the enabling environment for them to thrive.
“Our message is simple: your ideas matter, your hustle matters, and your future matters. Together, we can build the Ghana we want,” the Minister added.
