The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has urged students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as government steps up efforts to tackle youth unemployment.
Speaking at the launch of the Students Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Programme at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), he described the initiative as a major step towards changing the mindset of young people.
“Today is not just about launching a programme. Today is about planting the future for our students,” he said.
Turning Ideas into Businesses
Mr Opare Addo explained that the SEED Programme builds on existing initiatives and is designed to ensure that student ideas are developed into real businesses.
“Too many brilliant ideas remain in notebooks and never become businesses. Through SEED, we are introducing a structured end-to-end ecosystem that will equip students with practical entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, business registration support, financial inclusion and access to funding opportunities.”
Focus on Skills, Not Politics
The Minister stressed that the programme will be implemented fairly, without political bias.
“Poverty does not know political colour and when opportunities and jobs are created, it serves the good people of this country.”
Call for Mindset Change
He noted that many graduates take years to secure employment and called for a shift in thinking among young people.
“One of the biggest problems we have as a country is mindset. The question should not be ‘Who will employ me?’ but rather ‘What problem can I solve?’ and ‘How many people can I employ?’”
Plans for Youth Entrepreneurship Fund
Mr Opare Addo also announced plans to establish a Youth Development Entrepreneurship Fund next year to support youth-led businesses.
He added that women and persons with disabilities will receive special consideration under the programme.
Private Sector Support Needed
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, called for support from the private sector and development partners.
“One thing is clear, youth entrepreneurship development cannot be achieved by government alone. We are calling on private sector players and development partners to come on board to help address unemployment in our country.”
Students Encouraged to Take Opportunity
Mr Adjei urged students to take advantage of the SEED Programme to build sustainable businesses that can create jobs and support national development.
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