STATE OF THE YOUTH ADDRESS (SOYA) 2025

STATE OF THE YOUTH ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HON. MINISTER OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT, GEORGE OPARE ADDO ON THE 5TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2025.

COLLEAGUE MINISTERS

CHIEF DIRECTORS

HEADS OF IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES UNDER THE MINISTRY

HEADS OF MDAs

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

CIVIL SOCIETY AND THINK TANKS

YOUTH GROUPS

FRIENDS OF THE MEDIA

DISTINGUISED INVITED GUESTS

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

As the Minister responsible for youth development and empowerment I am obliged to initiate conversation about how our teeming youth are faring in this country.  It is my considered view that this will enable us collectively to develop appropriate policy responses to inspire, equip and empower the youth of Ghana to unleash their potential for national development and global competitiveness. This is central to His Excellency the President’s reset Agenda because the youth of our country represent not only our present strength but also the foundation upon which we build a resilient, productive and inclusive society.

Today we share a clear, data‑driven picture of where Ghana’s youth stand and the required steps our government seeks to implement collaboratively with all our partners to ensure progress and address key challenges. The journey to unlock the full potential of the Ghanaian youth is hinged on five (5) strategic pillars namely. 

1. Health and Well-being 
2. Education and skills training
3. Economic Empowerment
4. Civic Engagement and community participation
5. Personal development and leadership

These central pillars are the fulcrum around which key youth-centric government policies revolve. It is my firm conviction and shared belief that addressing these central pillars through identification of the gaps and proffering appropriate recommendations will help position our youth to be key actors on our path to growth and development as a nation.

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

3. Our country like most countries in the sub region has a youth population with 38% of our citizens falling within the age range of 15-35 years. A further 36% of our population are children within the ages of 0 to 14 years. These statistics clearly show that our country is experiencing a sustained youth bulge with significant portions of our population being young. This obviously presents both an opportunity and a threat. It becomes an opportunity when we as a country are able to implement policies that can prepare and engage the energies of our young people. The threat arises when our country fails to create the enabling environment for our youth to be positioned as meaningful contributors and participants of our society.

To begin, this section will address the health and well-being of youth, identified as a fundamental component among key pillars. Good health is essential, as poor health can impede progress in education, skills training, and personal development. As noted by Winston Churchill, “healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”  

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

According to the World Health Organization, health includes physical, mental, and social well-being, not just freedom from illness. Promoting youth health in all these areas is a national priority in Ghana, though there are persistent challenges.

Ghanaian youth experience both opportunities and difficulties—access to education, technology, and healthcare has improved, yet many still struggle with:

Increasing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse

Ongoing sexual and reproductive health issues due to limited information and services

Illnesses tied to poor nutrition, inactivity, and risky behaviors

These problems affect young people’s well-being, national productivity, and social cohesion.

Substance abuse among youth in secondary schools and tertiary institutions is a growing concern. Young people are increasingly using harmful substances such as alcohol, marijuana, various narcotics, and especially synthetic pills like “Red 225” (“Wonim Red”), which cause dangerous numbness and detachment.

Although poverty, unemployment, and emotional stress contribute to this issue, many of these drugs are expensive and widely available, suggesting a systemic problem within social networks and supply chains that reach educational campuses and communities.

National data reveals high levels of drug awareness and exposure: 41% of tertiary students and 37% of Senior High School students have encountered drug use. Colleges of Education report the highest awareness at 54%, followed by Technical Universities (45%), Public Universities (41%), Private Universities (35%), and Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges (30%). The problem affects all types of institutions.

1. Access to drugs is disturbingly easy. Young people obtain substances from peers, local pubs, street kiosks, and increasingly from on-campus dealers who operate discreetly. The rapid growth of online ordering and courier delivery systems now allows access with minimal human interaction, making enforcement and prevention more challenging. 

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

1. The major drivers of drug use in schools are Curiosity and experimentation, stress relief, peer influence, social pressure, feel good factor and enjoyment, academic pressure, social anxiety, emotional loneliness, depression, identity struggles, the desire to feel included and confidence. 

1. 63% of youth do not think drugs boost academic performance, 15% believe they do, and 22% are unsure. The combined 85% who reject or are neutral about drug benefits suggests a chance to address this issue. 

1. 43% think drugs boost social confidence, while 37% disagree. 57% believe drugs help manage stress, with 30% opposed. 44% say drugs improve sexual performance, but 32% do not. Urgent action is needed to address these perceptions. 

1. Substance abuse poses serious risks for all ages. Around 26% of first-time users are aged 14 or 15, and early drug exposure can impair memory, learning, emotional control, and judgment. It increases the chance of truancy, mental health issues, and long-term addiction, threatening the development of future generations. 

1. It must be noted that 41% of first-time drug users are within the ages of 16 and 17 years. Substance abuse during this period may result in declining academic performance, behavioral problems, risky sexual behaviour, emotional instability, and reduced likelihood of continuing to tertiary education. Once again, let me emphasize that each lost student to substance abuse represents a lost opportunity for Ghana’s growth and transformation. 

1. To expand our conversation today, our study also revealed that 25% of early users are with the ages of 18 and 19. Drug exposure at this stage has been observed to disrupt the transition into independence. The consequences may include early exit from school, addiction, depression, campus violence and unemployment. This stage shapes the nation’s workforce therefore protecting it is a national imperative. Our data also revealed that 8% of early drug users are 20 and above.

Our Friends from the Media,

1. Campus surveys indicate that 86% of students can easily access alcohol, with weed edibles (59%) and marijuana (53%) also widely available. Additionally, 12% report awareness of hard drug access, showing that substance use is a significant issue on campuses. 

1. Our school authorities are addressing these challenges with responsive measures. Research shows 36% of academic institutions offer counseling, peer support, drug-awareness programs, random checks, and referrals. Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant and requires national coordination, investment, and collaboration across sectors. 

1. In order to address this concerning trend, my Ministry will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to formulate and execute a comprehensive national strategy targeting this issue among young people. 

Distinguished guests and fellow citizens, I will now focus on mental health.

1. Mental health challenges are rising among Ghanaian youth, with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior being most common. Studies show 8% of tertiary students and 19% of the general population experience depression; the WHO estimates 6.34% prevalence in those aged 20-29. Gambling has further increased mental health issues: 43.6% of young gamblers face depression, while 68.8% report anxiety.
   
   Young Ghanaians confront pressures from academics, social media, career uncertainties, and rapid societal changes. The nation must invest in youth mental health by fostering supportive environments and providing early intervention, awareness initiatives, and access to counseling. Families, schools, and communities should nurture resilience and emotional well-being. Breaking stigma and empowering youth are a collective responsibility.

Road safety is a growing concern for Ghana’s youth. Between January and August 2025, there were 1,937 road deaths and 10,957 injuries; 77% of fatalities involved pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists, with males making up 82%. The highest-risk age group was 20-29 years old. University of Ghana research indicates young males are most affected, as they comprise a large share of those on the roads. In June 2024, 12% of fatalities were under 18, while 88% were adults, suggesting youth remain disproportionately vulnerable. 

24. The discussion of youth health and wellbeing would be incomplete without addressing matters pertaining to HIV/AIDS and sexual health. Notably, in 2023, 27.4% of the 17,774 new reported infections occurred among youth populations. Furthermore, the incidence rate of sexually transmitted infections increased to 32% in 2024. Of particular concern is the observed decline in testing rates among young people, which is a trend that requires immediate attention.
    
    25. Emerging national discourse highlights the growing issues of overweight and obesity among Ghanaian youth, linked to evolving lifestyle patterns and nutritional habits. Recent evidence indicates an overall prevalence rate of 16.1% for overweight and 9.4% for obesity in this demographic. Among females, 15.9% are overweight and 22.9% are classified as obese; among males, the figures are 10.1% and 17.0%, respectively. Higher risk is associated with older, educated, wealthier, and urban-residing youth.
    
    26. In the 10 to 14 age group, reports show that one in six adolescents is overweight and one in ten is obese, with higher prevalence rates among females. Factors such as urbanization, elevated socioeconomic status, low physical activity, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to these risks. Implementing early interventions can result in significant long-term health benefits.
    
    27. Gaming addiction is also emerging as a significant concern among young people. Mental health professionals are advocating for increased awareness and educational initiatives. Identified consequences include diminished academic performance, weakened social relationships, and negative impacts on mental health. Severe cases may result in depression, anxiety, and social isolation, all of which can adversely affect the mental well-being of adolescents nationwide. 
25. Young people are spending more time on their phones than ever before, which is increasingly linked to mental health issues. Prolonged screen use reduces real-life engagement, problem-solving, and social interactions, and may lead to anxiety. MRI scans show that children addicted to screens have similar brain patterns to those with substance addictions.
    
    29. Teenage pregnancy is a major public health and social issue, with over 100,000 cases annually and a 19% prevalence among girls aged 15-19. High rates of teenage pregnancy and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services expose many young people to risks such as maternal complications and disrupted education, threatening their future ambitions.

Distinguished guests, members of the media, I would now like to address the topic of youth civic engagement and participation.

30. Civic engagement encompasses the proactive involvement of citizens, especially young individuals, in activities that advance the political, social, and economic welfare of their communities and the nation as a whole. The foundation for civic participation is established in Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, which affirms every citizen’s right to participate in governance. Civic engagement takes various forms, each contributing meaningfully to both community and national progress.

31. For Ghanaian youth, civic engagement involves:

Political participation, including the exercise of voting rights, involvement in policy dialogue, and serving in public office.

Advocacy and activism, which entails raising awareness and mobilizing support around critical issues such as human rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Community service and volunteerism, manifested through initiatives like clean-up campaigns, tree planting, health outreach programs, and educational mentorship.

32. With young people constituting 38% of Ghana’s population, they represent a dynamic segment capable of propelling national development. Their engagement is evident in areas such as Public Consultation and Dialogue, Digital and Online Engagement, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Civic Education and Awareness Campaigns. Nevertheless, the extent of youth participation varies significantly across regions and social groups, reflecting differences in access, opportunities, and motivation.

33. Nearly half of the country’s youth are actively involved in volunteer activities, demonstrating a robust culture of community involvement and social responsibility. This high level of engagement underscores the youth’s commitment to contributing their time, expertise, and resources to both national and local development. 

34. Youth-led civic movements, including #FixTheCountry, Youth4Change, and Buzstopboys, exhibit robust informal civic engagement with a focus on accountability, environmental protection, and governance reform. Additionally, other youth activists and volunteers play substantial roles in activities such as election observation, making meaningful contributions to democratic processes by monitoring electoral practices.
    
    35. Related to civic engagement is community participation, emphasizing the direct involvement of local populations in the planning, implementation, and oversight of developmental initiatives impacting their communities. This principle is central to Ghana’s decentralization policy, which mandates that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) integrate citizens into local decision-making. Community participation is exemplified in programs such as Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS), where local volunteers collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide essential services, thereby advancing Ghana’s primary healthcare coverage.
    
    36. Despite these positive developments, youth remain underrepresented in local governance structures; available data from the Ministry of Local Government indicate that less than 10% of elected Assembly Members are below the age of 35.
    
    37. Currently, the degree of youth engagement in advocacy campaigns varies considerably between rural and urban settings. This disparity largely stems from differences in access, exposure, resources, and opportunity. Urban youth are typically more involved in advocacy efforts due to greater access to information, social media platforms, and established civil society networks that promote campaigns related to governance, climate change, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
    
    39. Conversely, rural youth are generally less engaged in national advocacy initiatives, often as a result of limited internet connectivity, fewer civic education opportunities, and a prioritization of livelihood activities. Nevertheless, they demonstrate significant involvement in community-level advocacy, particularly regarding issues such as sanitation, educational access, and agricultural support. Addressing this rural-urban divide through targeted civic education, digital inclusion, and youth capacity-building initiatives would help ensure equitable opportunities for young people across Ghana to participate meaningfully in national development.
    
    40. Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a growing concern regarding the disconnection of youth from national identity and core values including patriotism, accountability, and integrity. The findings indicate a troubling trend in young people’s perceptions of inclusion within governance and policymaking structures. 
35. Under 25% of young people feel their views impact public policy, while 75% either believe their opinions are ignored or are unsure if they’re valued. This widespread disconnect between youth engagement efforts and policymakers’ responsiveness has led to political apathy and lower civic participation.
    
    42. UNICEF Ghana’s August 2022 “Youth Ecosystem” assessment links low voter registration to youth apathy in cities. An Afrobarometer survey shows only 55% of young people are interested in politics, compared to 76% of adults. More participatory structures and visible feedback from youth consultations are needed for genuine inclusion in national development.
    
    43. Economic pressures, lack of recognition, poor organization, limited opportunities, and competing commitments like education and employment restrict youth involvement in civic engagement and volunteerism.
    
    44. Raising awareness, providing civic education, and changing mindsets are crucial for fostering responsible youth committed to nation-building. Formalizing youth volunteerism and promoting inclusive participation will strengthen social cohesion, governance, and sustainable development.

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

45. Ghanaian youth aspire to live in a society that upholds equal opportunities, dignity, and optimism for the future. A significant proportion of young people prioritize relocating abroad in pursuit of improved prospects, evidenced by the 2024 Afrobarometer report indicating that 72% of Ghanaians aged 18-35 have considered emigration. This trend largely stems from the desire for enhanced employment opportunities. Their aspirations span education, employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and national development.

46. In addition to economic pursuits, young citizens demonstrate a strong commitment to good governance, accountability, and environmental sustainability. They envision a Ghana characterized by transparent leadership, reduced corruption, and meaningful inclusion of young voices in the national decision-making process.

47. Socially, Ghanaian youth are dedicated to advancing national unity, peace, and cultural pride. They seek a nation that values innovation, recognizes merit, and ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender or background. These ambitions, grounded in hope, resilience, and creativity, not only reflect the goals of the younger generation but also serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.

48. These endeavors align with the President’s vision for a 24H+ Economy, which aims to generate continuous employment, promote innovation, and enhance productivity. This flagship initiative, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to transform the country’s productivity framework by extending economic activity beyond traditional hours and integrating key sectors within a cohesive value chain.

This section examines initiatives related to education, skills development, and the economic advancement of youth in Ghana.

Education and skills development are central components of Ghana’s national development agenda. There has been progress in increasing access to education and improving learning outcomes. Nonetheless, available data on youth indicates areas that require further attention and targeted strategies.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the national literacy rate is 68%. Approximately half of Ghanaian youth have either no formal education or only basic education (49.7%). The youth literacy rate, as reported by the 2015 Labour Force Survey and the Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) 2022-2024, is 96.1%. While this reflects a high literacy base among young people, it also highlights the importance of enhancing opportunities for higher education and advanced skill development. 

51. Between 2015 and 2024, the proportion of youth attaining secondary education increased from 23% to 37.4%, while bachelor’s degree attainment rose from 5.2% to 9.1%. These improvements are attributable to initiatives such as the Free Senior High School programme and broader access to tertiary education.
    
    52. Technical and Vocational Education dropped from 2.5% in 2015 to 1% in 2024, highlighting the need for reforms to make TVET more appealing and relevant to industry needs.
    
    53. In 2015, 70% of young Ghanaians in secondary or higher education were in humanities and social sciences, with only 23% in STEM fields—an imbalance that limits job opportunities amid growing demand for technical skills. Promoting STEM education is critical for sustainable economic growth.
52. Ladies and gentlemen, another area of concern is apprenticeship training. Participation among the youth has remained low and has declined over the years. Apprenticeship remains particularly limited among younger youth aged 15 to 24, although there has been a modest increase in secondary-level apprenticeship enrolment between 2015 and 2024. Strengthening partnerships with industries and informal sector master craftsmen will be critical in reversing this trend and providing practical skills for decent employment.

Over the years, Ghana has taken steps to improve youth engagement and participation in national development. One method used to gauge this progress is measuring the Youth Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), which is also an SDGs indicator. In 2017, data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicated that approximately 32% of the country’s youth were not in school, employed, or participating in skills training. This figure suggested that about one in three young people in Ghana was not engaged in productive activity, highlighting an area requiring attention.

56. Government’s implementation of deliberate measures to reverse this trend saw programmes such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP) and the strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms. These reforms focused on equipping young persons with contemporary skills, including digital literacy, renewable energy technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation skills, Technical and Vocational Skills and creative industry competencies. As a result, we recorded a steady progress by the first quarter of 2022, the NEET rate had fallen to 28.3% and further declined to 24.1% by the third quarter of that same year.
57. The most notable decrease in the NEET rate occurred in 2023, when it reached 18.2%, the lowest in recent years. This reduction corresponds with ongoing government initiatives in youth employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship support. However, data from the fourth quarter of 2024 indicate a slight increase to 22.4% for individuals aged 15 to 35, and 25.8% for those aged 15 to 24. While this rise is relatively small, it highlights that efforts to address youth unemployment and inactivity continue to be necessary. Ongoing and targeted initiatives will be required to further reduce the NEET percentage, which was at 22.4% in the last quarter of 2024.
    
    58. The next step will be to maintain progress by broadening vocational and technical education, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhancing the connection between education and employment opportunities.
58. The 24-Hour Economy Initiative aims to boost employment by enabling around-the-clock economic activity, creating new job shifts—especially for youth—in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, digital services, healthcare, and hospitality, while supporting continuous and inclusive economic participation.
    
    60. With enhanced skills training, a strong 24-hour economy, and closer industry partnerships, Ghana is positioned to empower all young people to drive national progress.

Together, we can build a future where no young Ghanaian is left behind.

61. Young people gain economic empowerment when their talents are put to productive use, enabling them to earn and control their livelihoods. However, empowering youth remains a persistent challenge for governments under the 4th Republic.
    
    62. Data shows education outcomes and some employment indicators are improving, with fewer young people out of school and jobless. Still, issues like poor job quality, a large informal sector, and ongoing gender and urban disparities hinder inclusive economic growth. This section reviews the realities of youth economic empowerment.
    
    63. The nation’s future depends on its youth, who are numerous, energetic, and increasingly educated. Connecting them to skills and formal job opportunities can drive growth, resilience, and poverty reduction. Failing to do so risks continued underemployment and vulnerability for future generations. The opportunity is significant but time sensitive.
62. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Education attainment is rising. The share of youth with no education fell sharply between 12.5% in 2015 to 3.9% by late 2024. Secondary school enrolment surged from about 23% in 2015 to 35.9% in 2024 whiles Tertiary education and above edged from 11.7% to 12.5%. However, vocational and technical pathways are still under-utilized signaling a gap between classroom learning and work‑ready skills. 
63. It is well shown that unemployment disproportionately affects the youth compared to adults in this country. The national youth unemployment rate rose markedly from 16.9% in 2017 to 22.5% in 2022. According to recent statistics, 70% of unemployed individuals fall within the 15–35 age bracket. This trend is a significant concern for both the Government and the Ministry. On behalf of the President, I reaffirm our administration’s commitment to addressing and reversing this development.
    
    66. Analysis of national unemployment data reveals persistent disparities. Young women consistently experience higher unemployment rates than their male counterparts, reaching nearly 29% in 2021. Urban areas report greater unemployment levels than rural regions, reflecting both the attractiveness of cities and the mismatch between job creation and urban migration. A key factor underlying the nation’s unemployment challenge has been limited job opportunities within the formal sector. 
64. While the country has experienced marginal economic growth over time, this growth has not resulted in significant employment opportunities within the economy. The data shows that economic growth has not translated into increased formal sector job creation.
    
    68. The youth employment structure proves varied outcomes. Since 2015, paid employment among young people has increased by approximately ten percentage points, showing some positive movement. However, nearly sixty percent of young workers are still engaged in vulnerable types of work. The informal sector’s share of youth employment rose from 32% in 2015 to 43% in 2024. This ongoing expansion may influence earnings, benefits, productivity, and access to finance and social protection. Additionally, only one in ten young individuals hold high-skill jobs, a decrease from 14% in 2015.
    
    69. Skills mismatch is still a significant factor influencing labour outcomes for young people, as the qualifications of many potential employees do not align with industry requirements. Each year, the country’s education system produces over 400,000 unskilled and semi-skilled young entrants into the labour market. The gap between the educational sector and labour market needs is a challenge that requires attention. 
65. Our society is generating an increasingly educated youth population; however, our school-to-work transition programs have been limited in scope and generally ineffective. Additionally, the informal sector continues to dominate youth employment, raising important questions about the formulation of targeted reforms to enhance productivity, skills development, and earnings potential.
    
    71. Gender and geographic location remain significant determinants of opportunity within our country. Female and urban youth meet unique challenges that need specialized solutions. We must consider how to create substantial opportunities for women and develop equally fulfilling prospects in rural areas to mitigate urban migration. Another key policy concern for the Ministry is the absorption of the growing urban youth population into productive employment.
    
    Given these considerations, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment will collaborate closely with partners to achieve the following policy goals:
    
    72. Rebuild and expand high-quality apprenticeship and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways, particularly for individuals aged 15–24. Early exposure to TVET and apprenticeships will help address sociocultural misconceptions surrounding technical and vocational education. The Ministry will work alongside the Ministry of Education, TVET Service, and CTVET to modernize training facilities and integrate structured workplace learning.
    
    73. The Ministry will engage relevant Ministries and implementing agencies to standardize educational curricula, ensuring substantial industry input during the development process.
    
    74. The Ministry will partner with the private sector, specifically the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), Private Enterprises Federation (PEF), and other stakeholders, to introduce structured workplace learning and graduate employment programs.
    
    75. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, efforts will be made to make secondary and tertiary education more focused on employability. Policy initiatives will embed work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and digital skills across all educational tracks, enabling graduates to transition confidently into the labor market, adapt swiftly to new roles, and pursue entrepreneurship.
    
    76. To ease job creation in the formal sector, the Ministry will coordinate with SSNIT, the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to streamline compliance requirements for MSMEs and start-ups. Policy measures will soon be introduced to incentivize companies that hire, train, and keep graduates.
    
    77. To directly address urban youth unemployment, the Ministry will use implementing agencies such as NEIP, YEA, NSA, and NYA to set up city-level skills hubs aligned with employer demand. Successful implementation of the National Apprenticeship Programme and the ADWUMAWURA Programme is expected to equip youth with relevant skills and employment opportunities. The Ministry is also collaborating with the Youth Employment Agency and the National Service Authority to review and enhance their programs to better serve the needs of young people.
66. The Ministry will prioritize domestic care opportunities that can quickly provide employment for young women. In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, the aim is to standardize domestic work as a workable choice for youth job creation.
    
    79. The Ministry will oversee government initiatives to promote investment in STEM while maintaining support for the humanities. The approach includes working with institutions to align tertiary education intake and funding with sectors able to employ graduates, with an emphasis on soft skills training and programmes focused on critical thinking and problem-solving.
    
    80. Data is increasingly important in today’s context. The Ministry intends to institutionalize data collection and sharing throughout the youth development sector. There is a stated goal to end NEET from discussions about youth empowerment.
    
    81. The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) offers a platform for growth within the informal economy. Efforts will be made to position the programme to collaborate with MSMEs to formalize operations and improve scalability. Entrepreneurship Accelerator programmes are planned to provide youth-led businesses with capital and increase employment opportunities.
    
    DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA, INVITED GUESTS, PARTNERS IN YOUTH SERVICE, AND YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
    
    82. Challenges exist in schools, communities, streets, the job market, and online, including gaps in skills, barriers to employment, and pressures on resilience. However, progress has been seen in educational attainment and youth entrepreneurship, with ongoing commitments to support youth-focused initiatives.
    
    83. The Minister responsible for youth development and the Ministry will continue collaboration with partners and stakeholders, including public agencies, private sector representatives, civil society, faith groups, traditional authorities, development partners, and youth-led organizations. The aim is to maintain and enhance indicators related to access to education, quality of training, pathways to employment, entrepreneurial support, and inclusion. 
67. Efforts will be made to address challenges such as closing the skills gap, expanding employment opportunities, ensuring safety and wellbeing—particularly with regard to substance abuse—and improving outcomes in Technical and Vocational Training within the country.
    
    85. The government and Ministry plan to implement policies aimed at including all young people, promoting youth participation in education, employment sectors, innovation hubs, and community-building initiatives.
    
    86. The focus will be on evaluating relevant indicators, adopting effective practices, addressing shortcomings, maintaining open communication, reducing unnecessary barriers, and ensuring accountability for both administrative actions and desired outcomes for youth.
    
    87. Opportunities for young people are being established through various programmes and policies. Youth are encouraged to engage with these initiatives, apply, enroll, participate, and invest in their personal development by continuing learning, volunteering, networking, and innovating.
    
    88. Young people are advised to avoid habits and decisions that negatively impact their potential, and to make choices that support long-term growth, such as prioritizing discipline, integrity, and constructive engagement.
    
    89. While progress may take time, efforts are underway and collaborative movement toward set goals is ongoing.
    
    90. The objective is to enable every young person to have access to resources, tools, wellbeing, safety, and community support. The aim is to work together towards national development, with support from all stakeholders.

Today’s engagement is not to paint a gloomy picture but to restore hope to the Ghanaian youth and assure them that their government lead by His Excellency President John Mahama will work tirelessly to fix the gaps and create the enabling environment to make sure that they succeed. To our development partners, the ministry of youth development will want to work closely with you and make make sure that the program you fund and get involved in are those that are relevant to the needs and aspirations of our people. Together let’s work to build the GHANA WE WANT.

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA AND MAKE OUR NATION GREAT AND STRONG.

Thank you.