The Government has announced significant progress under its youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives, with more than 13,500 young people benefiting from skills training and business support during the first half of 2026.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment was implementing programmes aimed at reducing youth unemployment, closing skills gaps and improving the transition from education to productive employment.
According to the Minister, the National Apprenticeship Programme enrolled 4,350 young people in training by June 2026. Beneficiaries are receiving practical instruction in apparel production, agriculture, agro-processing, hospitality, tourism, fashion and cosmetology.
He said the initiative was designed to equip young people with industry-relevant skills to enhance their employability and support self-employment opportunities.
Dr Forson also disclosed that an additional 5,524 young people across 11 regions had received employable-skills training through the District Skills and Entrepreneurship Roadshow.
The programme forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to expand access to vocational training and entrepreneurship development for young people across the country.
On entrepreneurship, the Finance Minister said the Adwumawura Programme had provided grants to 3,685 applicants to help them establish or expand their businesses.
He explained that beneficiaries received grants ranging from GH¢5,000 to GH¢100,000, enabling them to move beyond training and business planning into operational enterprises.
Dr Forson further announced that the selection process for the second cohort of the Adwumawura Programme commenced in June 2026, signalling the Government’s intention to extend support to more aspiring entrepreneurs.
The updates formed part of the Government’s mid-year assessment of economic and social interventions being implemented under the 2026 Budget, with youth employment and enterprise development remaining key priorities.
