On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang visited the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment as part of her ongoing initiative to engage with various ministries and offer strategic support.
Received by the sector minister, Hon. George Opare Addo, the Vice President explained that these visits are designed to encourage first-time ministers and strengthen the collaborative efforts required to advance the vision of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
During the visit, Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the Ministry and its four agencies for the significant strides already made through the rollout of major youth-centered initiatives.
She specifically highlighted the success of the National Apprenticeship Programme, which has already reached approximately 14,000 beneficiaries, and the Adwumawura Programme, which has engaged 10,000 young people with the vital support of major universities and private innovation hubs.
Beyond economic empowerment, the Vice President noted the Ministry’s proactive stance on social welfare, including extensive campaigns to tackle drug and substance abuse and a growing focus on mental health awareness.
She also lauded the efforts being made to establish safe and dignified migration pathways for the youth, ensuring that those seeking opportunities abroad are protected from exploitation and vulnerable conditions.
Acknowledging the immense potential of Ghana’s youth when provided with the right resources, Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged the Ministry to view partnerships as a source of collective strength rather than competition.
She emphasised that because young people are active in every sector of society, success depends on seamless collaboration across all levels of government.
Furthermore, she stressed that youth empowerment must remain strictly gender-inclusive and must extend its reach to include young people who fall outside the formal school system.
While expressing deep appreciation for the leadership of Hon. George Opare Addo, the Vice President encouraged the Ministry to prioritize impact tracking and rigorous measurement to ensure that outcomes are clearly assessed and refined over time.
She also framed the success of youth development within the broader context of national productivity, arguing that the focus must remain on expanding the national economy to create more fiscal space for youth-led growth.
Addressing the national crisis of substance abuse, Professor Opoku-Agyemang called for a more deliberate and holistic approach that combines rigorous public education with a firm strategy to confront the entry points of illicit substances into the country.
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to the Ministry’s mission and urged all staff and stakeholders to work with mutual respect. In her view, every role is essential to building a future where Ghana’s young people are not merely supported, but are fully positioned to thrive.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
