Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Wednesday, January 14, 2254, paid a working visit to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, where she commended the sector minister, George Opare Addo, and the agencies under the ministry for their strides in youth empowerment initiatives.
The visit, described as historic by the ministry, formed part of the Vice President’s ongoing engagements with first-time ministers to strengthen collaboration and advance the government’s vision under President John Dramani Mahama.
During the engagement, the Vice President held strategic discussions with minister, directors of the ministry, and chief executive officers of its agencies on bolstering institutional frameworks for skills development, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
She underscored the pivotal role of young people in shaping the nation’s future and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive platforms that harness their potential.
“The youth of Ghana are very innovative and I believe that you have a lot to offer this country,” she stated.
The ministry provided the vice president with updates on its current programmes, including the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura Programme.
In her remarks, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the ministry’s efforts in addressing drug and substance abuse among the youth, as well as its work on mental health awareness and safe, dignified migration pathways to prevent vulnerability.
She highlighted alarming statistics presented by the minister, revealing that 41% of tertiary students and 37% of secondary school students are engaged in drugs and substance abuse, stressing the need for a more deliberate national approach, including tackling supply chains and intensifying public education on the dangers.
The Vice President encouraged the ministry to prioritise impact tracking and measurement for better assessment and improvement of outcomes. She also called for greater collaboration across government sectors, gender inclusivity in youth programmes, and attention to young people outside the formal education system.
Emphasising national economic growth, she noted that sustainable youth development relies on expanding the “national pie” through increased productivity and fiscal space, rather than merely debating percentages.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed appreciation for the leadership of George Opare Addo, urging all staff and stakeholders to work with mutual respect as the ministry pursues a future where Ghana’s youth thrive.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a plaque by the ministry to the vice president in recognition of her immense support for the welfare and development of Ghana’s youth.
