By In a landmark move to address youth unemployment and spur economic growth, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the Adwumawura Programme today at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi. The flagship initiative, a cornerstone of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s 2024 manifesto, is designed to incubate and accelerate 10,000 businesses annually while creating at least 20,000 decent jobs for Ghanaian youth each year.
With a focus on entrepreneurship, skills development, and digital innovation, the programme promises to transform the economic landscape for young Ghanaians aged 18-35.
The Adwumawura Programme, implemented through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, is a direct response to Ghana’s pressing youth unemployment crisis.
According to data from the World Bank, youth unemployment (ages 15-24) in Ghana hovered around 12% in 2023, a challenge that has long hindered the country’s economic potential.
The programme aims to tackle this issue head-on by providing a structured ecosystem for young entrepreneurs to thrive, offering business advisory services, mentorship, and access to critical resources.
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama emphasized the programme’s role in empowering Ghana’s youth to drive economic growth. “The future of Ghana lies in the hands of our young people. The Adwumawura Programme is not just about creating jobs; it’s about building a generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will shape the destiny of our nation,” he said.
He highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the NDC’s broader goal of creating 250,000 jobs annually through various programs, including the complementary “Edwuma Pa” initiative.
The programme has been allocated GH₵100 million in the 2025 Budget Statement, as announced by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson in March. This funding will support the creation, tracking, and mentoring of businesses, with a particular focus on startups led by young Ghanaians.
Key features of the programme include capacity-building workshops, access to digital tools, and one-on-one mentorship to ensure the sustainability of these new ventures. Additionally, the initiative will provide access to markets, funding opportunities, and technological resources to help startups scale and compete in a global economy.
The Adwumawura Programme’s impact is expected to be far-reaching. By facilitating the creation of 10,000 businesses annually, it aims to stimulate local economies, reduce poverty, and foster innovation across various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The programme’s target of 20,000 jobs per year is also a significant step toward reducing unemployment and underemployment among Ghana’s youth, many of whom have struggled to find meaningful opportunities in the formal sector.
According to a 2021 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), youth-led startups supported by mentorship and advisory services have a 30% higher survival rate after five years, a statistic that underscores the potential long-term benefits of the Adwumawura Programme.
The launch event in Kumasi was met with enthusiasm from attendees, including young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community leaders. Visuals shared on X by user @gyaigyimii showcased vibrant promotional materials featuring young Ghanaians in various professional roles, from construction workers to tech innovators, symbolizing the programme’s inclusive approach.
One image highlighted a young woman holding a tablet with the caption, “Adwumawura Programme: Helping startups to develop and sustain their business,” while another emphasized the programme’s mentorship benefits with the message, “Enroll with the Adwumawura Programme to benefit from business advisory services and mentorship.”
The choice of Kumasi as the launch venue was strategic, reflecting the government’s commitment to decentralizing opportunities and ensuring that young people in the Ashanti Region and beyond benefit from the initiative. However, reactions on X were mixed.
While some users, such as @Kenworldtech, expressed support with comments like “God bless JDM,” others, like @Xx_Gulda, questioned the focus on Kumasi, suggesting that the region has not always appreciated Mahama’s efforts. Another user, @Allsoccernews1, called for attention to other pressing issues like illegal mining (galamsey), indicating the diverse expectations Ghanaians have of the government.
The Adwumawura Programme builds on the NDC’s broader vision for economic revitalization, as outlined in its 2024 manifesto. Titled “Resetting Ghana,” the manifesto emphasizes entrepreneurship, industrial growth, and foreign direct investment as key drivers of economic development.
It also complements other youth-focused initiatives, such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, which aims to equip young Ghanaians with practical skills for the job market. The NDC’s Ghana Framework for Industrialization, Revitalisation, Support, and Transformation (Ghana FIRST) further supports these efforts by promoting manufacturing, domestic trade, and exports to enhance the country’s global market reach.
Experts have praised the programme’s potential to transform Ghana’s economic landscape. Dr. Kwame Asante, an economist at the University of Ghana, noted that empowering youth through entrepreneurship could have a multiplier effect on the economy.
“When young people are given the tools to succeed, they create jobs not just for themselves but for others. This programme could be a game-changer if implemented effectively,” he said. However, he cautioned that transparency in the allocation of resources and accessibility for rural youth would be critical to its success.
The Adwumawura Programme is poised to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s economic future, offering a lifeline to young entrepreneurs and addressing one of the country’s most persistent challenges. As President Mahama concluded his speech, he urged Ghanaian youth to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme. “This is your time to rise, to build, and to succeed.
The Adwumawura Programme is here to support you every step of the way,” he said, sparking hope among the thousands in attendance and those following the event online.
For more information on how to enroll, young Ghanaians are encouraged to contact the NEIP or visit their local Business Development Centres, which the NDC has pledged to revitalize across all districts in Ghana.
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