Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth development during a working visit to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. The visit, led by Sector Minister Hon. George Opare Addo, is part of a broader initiative by the Vice President to engage with first-time ministers and strengthen the execution of President John Dramani Mahama’s national vision.
During the session, the Vice President commended the ministry for its early successes, particularly the rollout of the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura Programme, which have collectively engaged approximately 24,000 young beneficiaries in partnership with universities and private hubs.
Addressing the leadership and staff, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that youth empowerment must be gender-inclusive and reach those outside the formal school system. She urged the ministry to view inter-governmental partnerships as a strength rather than competition, noting that young people represent a demographic present in every sector of the economy. To ensure long-term success, she advised the ministry to prioritize impact tracking and data measurement to allow for the continuous improvement of youth-centered interventions.
The Vice President also addressed critical social challenges, calling for a more deliberate national strategy to combat drug and substance abuse. She stressed the need for a dual approach that involves both rigorous public education on the consequences of addiction and a firmer stance on preventing the entry of illegal substances into the country.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of creating safe and dignified migration pathways to protect young Ghanaians from exploitation abroad.
Concluding her visit, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang linked the success of youth development to the broader health of the national economy. She argued that the focus must remain on expanding national productivity and fiscal space to ensure sustainable funding for youth initiatives. She encouraged all stakeholders to work with mutual respect and a sense of shared purpose, stating that every role within the ministry is vital to ensuring that Ghana’s youth are positioned to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
