The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment has officially inaugurated the Grant Management Committee for the Adwumawura Programme, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of one of government’s flagship youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
The inauguration ceremony, held earlier today, signaled a critical stage in the implementation of the Adwumawura Programme, underscoring government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and equity in the management of public funds entrusted to the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).
The Grant Management Committee has been constituted from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry players, academia, financial institutions, development partners, and key government agencies.
This diverse composition is intended to ensure a balanced, credible, and professional approach to grant administration and beneficiary selection.
Members of the committee include representatives from the University of Ghana Business School Innovation Center; the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment; the Ministry of Finance; ABSA Bank; the Venture Capital Trust Fund; the British Council; the private sector, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Akosombo Catering; the National Youth Authority; the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme; the Ghana Youth Federation; and the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).
Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
He stressed that the Adwumawura Programme goes beyond the mere disbursement of funds, describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at nurturing resilient and competitive businesses capable of driving inclusive national development.
The Minister charged members of the committee to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and diligence in the execution of their mandate, noting that public confidence in the programme will largely depend on the integrity and transparency of the selection process.
The Chief Executive Officer of NEIP, in his remarks, emphasized the need for the committee to be deliberate and intentional about inclusiveness, equity, innovation, and measurable impact. He disclosed that the programme targets the selection and support of at least 2,000 viable businesses across the country, with a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs to scale up and create sustainable jobs.
On his part, the Board Chairman of NEIP assured the committee of the Board’s full support and urged members to carry out their responsibilities in a dispassionate, transparent, and non-partisan manner. He indicated that such an approach would help engender public trust and confidence in the Adwumawura Programme.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Prof. George Acheampong of the University of Ghana Business School expressed gratitude to the Minister and NEIP for the opportunity to serve. He assured government and the NEIP Board of the committee’s readiness and firm commitment to discharge its duties diligently, fairly, and transparently, guided by the highest principles of integrity.
The Adwumawura Programme is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing targeted support to young innovators and business owners, thereby contributing meaningfully to job creation and sustainable economic growth.
