Deputy Chief of Staff to Youth: Take Charge of Ghana’s New Economy

Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at the Presidency, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has called on Ghanaian youth to embrace innovation, technology, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship to lead the transformation of Ghana’s economy.

She was speaking at the 2025 National Youth Mentorship Summit and Awards held at the University of Ghana, Accra. The summit was organised under the theme “Youthpreneur: A Catalyst for a New Economy.”

Reflecting on her own student days in the 1980s, Nana Oye highlighted the generational shift brought about by technology and urged young people to make the most of the tools now available to them.

“When I studied here in 1985, there were no mobile phones, no social media—just determination and long nights in lecture rooms,” she recalled. “Today, you have global access to information. The question is, how are you using it?”

She encouraged students to stay informed about current affairs, build practical skills, and take initiative. “Whether it’s the GDP of Ghana or the situation in Gaza, you should be able to engage meaningfully. Read the Daily Graphic, GhanaWeb, New York Times, or watch BBC. Stay informed and relevant,” she advised.

Youth at the Centre of National Development
Nana Oye said the youth must not wait to be handed the future but rather create it themselves. “You are not just the future; you are the present,” she stated. “You are the digital entrepreneurs, the problem solvers, the innovators. The new economy is not coming—you are the new economy.”

She outlined key initiatives under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) aimed at empowering young Ghanaians:

The Edwuma Programme: Designed to support 10,000 youth-led businesses annually with skills training, mentorship, access to capital, and equipment. Backed by a GH¢100 million budget, the programme aims to move youth from concept to commerce.

National Apprenticeship Programme: Targets 10,000 beneficiaries in 2025 and 100,000 by 2026, offering hands-on vocational skills and business development support.

24-Hour Economy Policy: Aims to expand business and employment opportunities beyond the traditional 8 am to 5 pm model. The policy will open up sectors like logistics, digital services, manufacturing, nightlife, health, and the creative industry to youth participation.

1 Million Coders Initiative: A four-year plan to train one million young Ghanaians in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital innovation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation.

Nana Oye added that these initiatives are backed by strategic policy planning, structural commitment, and budgetary support. “We’re not just promising—we’re resourcing,” she emphasized.

Ecosystem for Youth Entrepreneurship
The NDC, she said, is committed to building a sustainable ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship. This includes:

A GH¢50 million FinTech Growth Fund

Innovation and industrial parks

Support programmes for women and persons with disabilities

A digital jobs initiative targeting 300,000 jobs

“This is not just about employment. It’s about ownership. It’s about giving young Ghanaians the power to shape their destinies,” she said.

Nana Oye urged students to start small, learn fast, and build resilience. “You will fall. You will fail. But get up, dust off, and try again. Are you passionate about tech, agriculture, law, fashion, or media? Just start. Take a course. Build a network. Find a mentor. Launch your idea,” she encouraged.

She concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders:

To industry: “Partner with youth. Invest in youth-led businesses.”

To the media: “Tell the stories of Ghana’s young achievers.”

To parents and communities: “Encourage and support youth who choose entrepreneurship.”

“Let us commit to a Ghana where talent meets opportunity. Our future belongs not to those who wait, but to those who build. So rise, lead, and let Ghana prosper through your hands.”

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/capitalnewsonline.com