Government of President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched its transformative initiative known as “The Adwumawura” Programme to empower young people through entrepreneurship and job creation.
Spearheaded by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and fully funded by the 2025 national budget, the programme aims to establish 10,000 youth-led businesses each year, targeting a total of 40,000 enterprises over a four-year period.
Open to all Ghanaians between the ages of 18 and 35, regardless of educational background, the Adwumawura Programme promises a robust support system that includes business development services, startup incubators, and access to funding. It is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, which has committed significant financial backing to ensure its success.
Launching the programme in Accra, President Mahama described Adwumawura as “not merely a policy, but a declaration of faith in the extraordinary potential of Ghanaian youth.”
He emphasized that the initiative is a critical component of his administration’s broader vision to reduce youth unemployment and build an industry-driven economy.
“Our goal is to build an industry-driven economy that creates sustainable, well-paying jobs,” the President stated. “We want young people to see themselves not just as future employees, but as future employers.”
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s dedication to converting innovative ideas from young people into viable, thriving enterprises capable of contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
NEIP CEO optimistic
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEIP, Mr. Eric Adjei also explained that, the youthful business person will be assisted by his outfit to start through funding support, coaching, guidance and any other relevant support.
“The Adwumawura Programme is more than a policy. It is a commitment – a lifeline – to the countless young men and women who rise every morning with big dreams but are often met with closed doors. Under the leadership of President Mahama, every youth will have the opportunity to soar.
“Thousands of young businesses, started by daring and determined Ghanaians, have been nurtured and supported – living testimonies that when government believes in its youth, magic happens. “We need your collaboration. We need your resources. We need your faith – because together, we can unleash a movement that will define Ghana’s economic future for decades to come. The future is entrepreneurship. The future is innovation. The future is now,” he emphasised.
Mr. Eric Adjei described the initiative as “the rebirth of a dream” seeded by President Mahama during his previous administration.
NEIP, he announced, will work closely with development partners, private sector leaders, civil society organisations and the youth themselves to deliver the initiative.
Mr. Eric Adjei highlighted the impact of earlier efforts, pointing to the 2014 Youth Enterprise Support Fund, a precursor to NEIP, which had supported thousands of start-ups across Ghana.
Other initiatives
Mr. Eric Adjei indicated that beyond Adwumawura, NEIP plans to roll out several complementary programmes, including a Presidential Innovation Challenge to promote STEM and green entrepreneurship, and a Vice-Presidential Empowerment Programme targeting women and persons with disabilities.
According to him, additional initiatives include a Student Enterprise Initiative, Youth in Innovative Agriculture projects, the Presidential School Garden Initiative, and a Street to Entrepreneurship project aimed at rehabilitating vulnerable youth.
Mr. Eric Adjei called for strong collaboration from development partners and the private sector, stressing that the success of the programme would depend on collective action.
The event was attended by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah; the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo; the Municipal Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori Agyemang; and the Chief Executive Officer of the NEIP, Eric Adjei.
Otumfuo’s Benkumhene, Odeneho Okyere Ntrama, chaired the event on behalf of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
About The Adwumawura Programme
The Programme is a fulfillment of the NDC campaign promise to prioritize youth empowerment and job creation.
The Adwumawura Programme aims to create, track, and monitor young businesses annually, with a special focus on the youth.
In its first phase, the top 2,000 implementable business proposals will receive comprehensive support, including:
• Business Development Training: Equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business.
• Mentorship: Pairing young entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and mentors.
• Access to Start-up Capital: Providing financial support to help young entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality.
• Marketing and Networking: Offering platforms for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, and connect with potential customers and partners.
The Programme is expected to have a significant impact on Ghana’s economy, as it will help to create jobs, stimulate innovation, and promote entrepreneurship among young people.
By supporting young businesses and entrepreneurs, the Adwumawura Program will contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
