Young Ghanaians stand to benefit from a major financial push in the coming fiscal year after the government earmarked GH¢3.5 billion for the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
Presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the funding package is geared toward expanding economic opportunities for the youth through job creation, practical skills training, and enterprise support.
Out of the total sum, the lion’s share of GH¢2 billion will go directly into youth employment and skills acquisition schemes.
The investment is aimed at equipping young citizens with market-ready skills to secure sustainable jobs and play an active role in national economic growth, underscoring the administration’s focus on placing youth empowerment at the heart of its economic agenda.
National Service Personnel deployed across public and private institutions nationwide have also been factored into the spending plan, with GH¢1 billion set aside specifically to cover their monthly allowances.
The provision ensures the state meets its financial obligations to graduates gaining hands-on workplace experience while supporting public service delivery.
Key youth-focused state agencies received distinct allocations within the budget breakdown to drive their respective mandates.
The National Youth Authority (NYA) has been allotted GH¢200 million to roll out its youth development programmes, while the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) will receive GH¢170 million to back young entrepreneurs and innovative startups across the country.
In a related budgetary provision aimed at strengthening the broader job market, Dr Forson disclosed that the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment has been allocated GH¢156 million. According to the Finance Minister, this separate funding will equip the Labour Ministry with the necessary resources to effectively oversee employment initiatives and labour administration throughout the year.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana