Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in anticipation of this year’s International Youth Day 2024, reaffirmed his commitment to the empowerment and development of Ghanaian youth. Start-Ups.
Dr. Bawumia outlined the government’s ongoing and future initiatives aimed at equipping over one million young people with the necessary skills for digital employment. The Vice President highlighted the critical role of the youth in nation-building and underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to drive economic growth and development. He further pointed to several successful initiatives that have already been implemented, such as the Mobile Money Interoperability System and the deployment of drones for medical supplies.
These programs have not only improved efficiency in various sectors but have also created new opportunities for young people to engage in the digital economy.
“Through our digital initiatives, we are creating an environment where our youth can thrive and contribute to the nation’s development. The introduction of the Mobile Money Interoperability System and the deployment of drones for medical supplies are just two examples of how we are using technology to solve real problems and create jobs for our young people.”
Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Vice President of Ghana
Moreover, Dr. Bawumia announced the government’s plan to introduce a credit scoring system, which will play a crucial role in supporting young entrepreneurs and small business owners. This system is expected to provide easier access to credit for young people who want to start or expand their businesses.
“One of the major challenges facing young entrepreneurs is access to credit. The introduction of a credit scoring system will help address this challenge by making it easier for our youth to secure the funding they need to bring their ideas to life.”
Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Vice President of Ghana
Commitment to Supporting Startups and SMEs
The Vice President also highlighted the government’s efforts to support startups and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) through targeted assistance programs.
“We have launched an 8.2 billion Cedi fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises. This fund is part of our broader strategy to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and create opportunities for our young people.”
Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Vice President of Ghana
Dr. Bawumia further explained that initiatives like the Enterprise Agency and the U-Start program are designed to provide young entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed. These programs offer financial assistance, training, and mentorship to help young people turn their business ideas into reality.
Dr. Bawumia underscored the importance of entrepreneurial skill development for young people. He pointed to various government programs, such as the Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship Training Program under the National Youth Authority, as key initiatives aimed at building the entrepreneurial capacities of young Ghanaians.
“The future of our nation lies in the hands of our youth. By providing them with the skills and resources they need to succeed, we are not only investing in their future but also the future of our country.”
Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Vice President of Ghana
The theme for this year’s International Youth Day, “From Clicks to Progress: youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” highlights the role of youth in driving sustainable development through digital technologies. Dr. Bawumia commended young people across the globe for their contributions to innovation and sustainable development.
“Youth across the globe are leading innovations and offering unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development through digital technologies.”
Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Vice President of Ghana
Dr. Bawumia remarked: “In Ghana, we are proud of the strides our young people are making in various fields, and we are committed to supporting them in their endeavors.”
The Role of Sports: The Ministry of Youth and Sports
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohammed Mustapha Ussif, assured the Ghanaian youth of the government’s continued support and commitment to creating more opportunities for them.
Hon. Mohammed Mustapha Ussif emphasized the importance of government programs in building the entrepreneurial skills of young people and noted that initiatives like the Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship Training Program are evidence of the government’s dedication to youth development.
“Ghana is committed to building the entrepreneurial skills of young people, this commitment is evident through the series of government programs we have implemented, which are designed to equip our youth with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.”
Mohammed Mustapha Ussif Minister of Youth and Sports
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to leverage digital technologies for economic growth and to create opportunities for young people.
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