Mahama Administration Will Cut Youth Unemployment by 50% – Youth Minister Assures

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has announced an ambitious plan by the Mahama-led administration to reduce youth unemployment in Ghana by 50% over the next four years. According to the minister, this commitment is grounded in bold and targeted interventions designed to equip young people with practical skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial capacity.

Speaking during a media interview, Mr. Opare Addo emphasized that tackling youth unemployment remains one of the government’s topmost priorities. He said the administration has already begun rolling out a series of flagship initiatives to support job creation, skills development, and innovation among the country’s youth.

“The President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, is deeply concerned about the rate of youth unemployment in the country. That is why we have taken bold and intentional steps to ensure that young people are not left behind in Ghana’s development journey,” Mr. Opare Addo stated.

Among the key programs mentioned by the minister is the One Million Coders Program, which aims to train one million Ghanaian youth in digital skills and software development. The initiative is expected to position Ghana as a digital hub on the continent, creating employment opportunities in the technology and innovation space.

“We believe that coding is the new literacy. Through the One Million Coders Program, we want to build a generation of tech-savvy youth who can compete globally. The future is digital, and Ghana must be ready,” he said.

Another major initiative highlighted was the Adwumawura Program, a government-backed effort to provide funding, tools, and business development services to support youth-led micro and small enterprises. The program is designed to enable young people to start and scale businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, and the creative arts.

“The Adwumawura Program is about empowering the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth. We are not just giving them capital; we are equipping them with the tools and mentorship needed to build sustainable businesses,” the minister explained.

In addition, Mr. Opare Addo cited the National Apprenticeship Program, which was officially launched by President Mahama in Tamale. This initiative is targeted at training thousands of young Ghanaians in skilled trades, including carpentry, welding, dressmaking, mechanics, and more, with a strong focus on supporting women and vulnerable groups, particularly in the northern regions and Oti.

“Apprenticeship has proven to be a viable path to employment. This program connects the youth directly with master artisans and industry leaders who can help them transition from training to full-time work,” he noted.

The minister further stated that these programs are not isolated efforts but part of a comprehensive youth development framework being spearheaded by the National Youth Authority, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency, technical institutions, and the private sector.

“Together, these initiatives form a robust response to unemployment. We are investing in people, not just projects. Our goal is to reduce youth unemployment by at least half before the end of this administration, and we are confident that we can achieve this,” Mr. Opare Addo asserted.

He concluded by urging young people across the country to actively engage with these programs and contribute to building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Ghana. “This is a call to action. The opportunities are here. Let’s seize them. Together, we can reset Ghana and build a future that works for every young person,” he added.