The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has officially launched two technical committees to oversee the execution of key employment initiatives the Adwumawura Programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme.

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These initiatives aim to provide sustainable job opportunities for young Ghanaians.

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During the inauguration ceremony in Accra on March 19, Opare Addo emphasized the urgency of implementing these programs to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment.

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He directed the committees to accelerate their efforts and submit a detailed progress report within two weeks.

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The Adwumawura Technical Committee, composed of 12 members, and the National Apprenticeship Technical Committee, which includes 14 members, have been tasked with ensuring the effective rollout of these policies.

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Speaking at the event, Opare Addo reiterated the government's commitment to youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, stating, “This Adwumawura programme aims to empower 10,000 Ghanaians every year between the ages of 18 and 35 and to also help them launch their businesses, effectively lowering the employment rate among our young people. Through this programme, we are committed to contributing with the necessary support, in terms of training, financing, and special opportunities to make young entrepreneurs realize their dreams.”

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The leadership of the National Apprenticeship Technical Committee includes Osman Ayariga as chairman and Nichodemus Dery as secretary.

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It also comprises representatives from the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, Employment & Job Creation, the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry.

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Additionally, members from the National Development Planning Commission, the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme, the National Youth Authority, the Youth Employment Agency, the Ghana Enterprise Agency, and the Commission for Technical & Vocational Education Training will contribute to the committee's work.

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On the other hand, the Adwumawura Technical Committee is led by Eric Adjei as chairman and Bright Botwe as secretary, with representatives from key ministries and agencies working to ensure the programme's success.

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A range of international development partners are backing these employment initiatives, including the MasterCard Foundation, the Canadian High Commission, KOICA, JICA, AGRA, GIZ, the European Union, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and the World Health Organization.

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