Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has lauded the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment for its strides in advancing youth-centered initiatives, describing the sector as pivotal to Ghana’s future growth.
The Vice President paid a working visit to the Ministry, led by Hon. George Opare Addo, as part of her ongoing engagements with government ministries to encourage collaboration and offer support. She noted that her initiative particularly seeks to engage first-time ministers, strengthening their resolve to deliver on the vision of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The Ministry, which oversees four agencies, has rolled out flagship interventions including the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura Programme. Together, these initiatives have attracted nationwide interest, with about 14,000 beneficiaries enrolled under the apprenticeship scheme and 10,000 young people engaged through Adwumawura, supported by universities and private hubs.
Beyond skills development, the Ministry has spearheaded campaigns against drug and substance abuse, while raising awareness on mental health challenges among the youth. Efforts are also underway to promote safe and dignified migration pathways, ensuring young Ghanaians are not exposed to exploitation abroad.
Addressing staff and stakeholders, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the immense potential of Ghana’s youth when provided with the right resources. She urged the Ministry to view partnerships as a strength rather than competition, stressing that collaboration across government sectors is essential since “young people are present in every sector.”
She further called for gender-inclusive empowerment strategies and greater attention to youth outside the formal school system. The Vice President also encouraged the Ministry to strengthen impact tracking and measurement to ensure outcomes are clearly assessed and improved over time.
On drug and substance abuse, she advocated for a deliberate national approach, including tighter border controls to prevent inflows of harmful substances and intensified public education on their devastating consequences.
Highlighting the link between youth development and economic growth, she urged a focus on expanding Ghana’s productive base: “Sustainable youth development depends on stronger national productivity and increased fiscal space, not just debates over percentages,” she said.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang expressed appreciation for the leadership of Hon. George Opare Addo and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the Ministry. She encouraged staff and stakeholders to work with mutual respect, noting that “every contribution matters, and every role is important” in building a future where Ghana’s youth are fully positioned to thrive.
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