President John Dramani Mahama has formally launched the Adwumawura Program, a daring and visionary step intended to empower the youth and transform Ghana’s economy.
Over a four-year period, the flagship program aims to establish at least 10,000 youth-owned businesses annually.
President Mahama delivered a stirring speech at the launch event in Kumasi, emphasizing the importance of investing in the aspirations and goals of Ghana’s dynamic youth.
Speaking to a sizable audience of dignitaries, youth organizations, and stakeholders, the President underlined that the Adwumawura Program was a “declaration of faith” in the extraordinary potential of Ghanaian youth rather than just a policy intervention.
“Across Ghana from our bustling cities to our quite rural communities, young men and women nurture big dreams. They have powerful ideas and they have an unstoppable drive to build better lives for themselves.
“However, these dreams deserve more than just applause. They deserve action. They deserve opportunity and they deserve committed support.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The Adwumawura Program seeks to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth employment in important strategic economic sectors.
The program will find promising new businesses for incubation and existing ones for acceleration through a nationwide selection process.
Crucially, the President made it clear that anyone who wants to start their own business or is already in operation can apply.
He said those chosen under the program will receive a full range of support services, such as market facilitation, coaching and mentorship, technical assistance, access to funding, business development training, and year-round business advisory services.
“As I said, you can apply online and there will be a neutral body that will go through all the applications and will select the businesses that will go into the program. It doesn’t matter if your business is not selected for this year window, It doesn’t mean that over the four years, you won’t get selected.
“We’ll start with some of them. The following year, we continue. If your business idea is not exactly the best, Adwumawura can advise you what other business idea you can look at”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The program will offer ongoing support, allowing entrepreneurs to come back to Adwumawura for help whenever difficulties emerge, in an attempt to prevent businesses from being abandoned after the initial stages.
President Mahama gave examples of what can be accomplished when young Ghanaians are given the proper resources and guidance, including the founders of Senaya Ventures, Horseman Shoes, Akosombo Catering, and Matthew Agambire.
He underlined that Adwumawura participants will be matched with seasoned business owners who will help them navigate the challenging realm of company growth.
Fully Funded and Inclusive
The President claims that the Adwumawura Program’s strong funding structure is one of its primary differentiators.
President Mahama gave Ghanaians the assurance that Adwumawura is fully funded, with the Ministry of Finance having already provided a sufficient budget allocation in the 2025 National Budget, in contrast to earlier initiatives that failed due to inadequate funding.
“Many big businesses of today were the startups and micro enterprises of yesterday. The Adwumawura program is designed to be inclusive. It’s designed to be youth led. It’s designed to be Ghanaian owned.
“And so you must be a Ghanaian to be part of the Adwumawura but the Adwumawura program is regardless of your educational background. You can have little formal education, but you can become an entrepreneur”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
More significantly, President Mahama noted that at least 60% of the Adwumawura program’s beneficiaries will come from historically underrepresented groups.
He claims that these groups include women and girls, people with disabilities, youth who are unemployed or underemployed, youth who are not in school, vulnerable and rural populations, and youth from areas affected by conflict.
Additionally, the President stated that communities impacted by illegal mining (galamsey) will receive special consideration, providing an alternative livelihood pathway that prioritizes entrepreneurship over environmental degradation.
Pillars for a Sustainable Future
Additionally, President Mahama stated that the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), which is housed within the recently formed Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, will be in charge of the Adwumawura Programme.
He stated that NEIP will collaborate with various partners to guarantee the long-term growth, support, and sustainability of the chosen businesses.
The initiative is based on six thematic pillars to maximize its impact, such as promoting inclusivity and making sure that opportunities reach historically underserved groups.
In order to facilitate access to funding and close the funding gap that many young entrepreneurs face, it also aims to establish a strong National System for Ideation and Acceleration.
Once more, the Adwumawura program aims to incorporate technology into business development by utilizing digital tools for innovation and expansion and by generating market opportunities to make it easier to access markets through trade shows and strategic partnerships.
Last but not least, the Adwumawura program would set up a strong monitoring and assessment framework, guaranteeing accountability, openness, and long-term viability.
According to President Mahama, the program will also include yearly trade shows and exhibitions, giving recipients a chance to market their goods and services, draw in capital, and form important alliances.
“To the youth of Ghana, the Adwumawura program is your opportunity to create, to build, and to lead. Let your dreams take flight. Let your innovations find expression. The future is not something we wait upon. It is something we build together, and we’re gonna do that starting today”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Building a Ghana Without Youth Unemployment
All facets of Ghanaian society, including government agencies, the commercial sector, civil society organizations, and traditional and religious leaders, were urged by President Mahama to support the Adwumawura Program.
He emphasized that investing in the youth is the most reliable way to achieve national prosperity and that creating a better Ghana requires teamwork.
“This initiative, we are not merely nurturing entrepreneurs. We are cultivating community builders and nation shippers. We envision a Ghana where our youth no longer move from office to office with CVs in hand, but instead become job creators, innovators, and leaders”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
With clear and measurable outcomes, the President noted that the programme aims to trigger a significant increase in new startups, job creation, and vibrant economic activities across all regions.
According to President Mahama, the initiative will significantly lower the proportion of young people who are categorized as “Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET),” thereby making a significant contribution to both national development goals and international youth empowerment targets.
In his closing remarks, President Mahama made a powerful plea to Ghana’s youth: seize the Adwumawura opportunity and take control of their own lives.
“If you have been searching for the opportunity to launch or grow a business, the Adwumawura Programme is your answer. Embrace it, own it, and build your dreams.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The application period for the initial group of Adwumawura entrepreneurs has opened with the formal launch.
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