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The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Ishmael Ashitey has reiterated government's decision to enhance job creation to help the growth of the economy. He saidthat government is doing its best to create an enabling environment for Ghanaian business owners through initiatives such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP). This policy, he said, will serve as an integrated national support for start ups and small businesses.
Mr Ashitey made these remarks at a graduation ceremony held at the Burma Camp Hall in Accra for graduates of the 'Jobs for Youth Migration and Employment Project'.
He said that the project will provide business development services. Start up incubators and funding for businesses to enable them grow. .
He pointed out that government has, in addition, rolled out flagship programs such as the Planting for Food and Jobs, One District One Factory and the Youth in Agriculture model all geared towards employment creation for Ghanaians. He said an estimated 200,000 people have been provided skills throughout the country.
Mr Ashitey said that the Jobs for Youth Program will provide the youth with wholistic learning as well as opportunities in order to create jobs for themselves, leveraging on their acquired skills and available economic opportunities.
He urged the graduates to take advantage of the sound economic foundation government has put in place to position Ghana as an investment destination, in order to be guaranteed good returns.
"We agree without doubt that the youth constitute a major source of human capital for the transformation agenda of the country, hence the need to employ their talent and skills for the sustained growth of Ghana's economy in both the formal and informal sectors" he stated.
Mr Ashitey commended the British Council for complementing government's efforts by proving the youth with skills training. He also acknowledged GIZ and other stakeholders for funding the initiative.
About fifty (50) out of the 1200 graduates were selected to move onto the next stage of the program known as the Incubation stage. They will be engaged in an enterprise club which will connect them to local and international markets, as well as mentors and investors to empower them.
Speaking to a graduate, Madam Renee of Renee Innovative, makers of liquid soaps and T shirt printing, she said that the training program has offered her a great experience and an opportunity to interact with other business owners. She said though she did not make it to the next stage, being part of the training program has given her an added advantage.
The graduation program comes after five weeks of training by the British Council and funded by Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) . It is designed to provide training, business incubation and acceleration services to 3200 individuals, 400 startups and 90 businesses in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions.
Also present were the Country Director of the British Council, Mr Alan Rutt, Ghanaian-American Chemical Engineer and Inventor of Fiber Optics , Prof Dr Thomas Mensah and the media.
