Lawyer Eric Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of NEIP has said that the Adwumawura Programme which is under his care is commited to supporting youth-owned businesses across the country, following concerns and feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders regarding the implementation of the initiative.
In a detailed response addressing the issues raised, the CEO emphasized that the feedback received is welcomed and regarded as a constructive tool to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the Adwumawura Programme.
According to him, the Adwumawura initiative was never designed to focus solely on funding, a position that has been clearly communicated since its official launch. Rather, the programme adopts a holistic approach aimed at building the capacity of youth entrepreneurs and positioning their businesses for long-term sustainability and growth.
“The Adwumawura Programme seeks to provide a series of structured activities to build the capacity of at least 10,000 youth-owned businesses annually,” management stated. This objective, they noted, underscores the programme’s broader mission of equipping young entrepreneurs with the requisite skills, knowledge, and institutional support needed to thrive in Ghana’s competitive business environment.
As part of this commitment, beneficiaries across the country have successfully completed five weeks of intensive and comprehensive entrepreneurship training. The training, which was rolled out nationwide, focused on key areas of business development including innovation, financial management, market access, and strategic planning.
In addition to the training sessions, selected training partners and innovation hubs have been tasked to provide continuous mentorship to beneficiaries who opt for such support.
This mentorship, management revealed, will span a period of six months and is expected to further strengthen the managerial and operational capacities of participating businesses.
To ensure that beneficiaries are well-prepared for potential funding opportunities, training partners have also been engaged to assist participants in refining their business plans.
These business plans, once finalized, are to be submitted to the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) for further assessment.
Management further disclosed that an independent Grant Management Committee will soon be inaugurated. This committee will be responsible for assessing the submitted business plans and making objective recommendations regarding grant support.
The establishment of an independent body, officials explained, is intended to guarantee transparency, credibility, and fairness in the grant disbursement process.
In a related development, the Adwumawura Programme has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to collaborate on the “Nkokonketee Programme,” a poultry-focused initiative. Under this arrangement, beneficiaries who express interest in poultry farming will receive support in the form of day-old chicks and feeding supplies to establish or expand their poultry businesses.
Management indicated that training partners have been instructed to compile and submit a comprehensive list of Adwumawura beneficiaries interested in the “Nkokonketee” component. However, as at the time of the statement, the complete list from all training partners and innovation hubs was yet to be received.
Beyond funding and sector-specific interventions, the programme also aims to support ideation-stage businesses by facilitating formal registration at the Office of the Registrar of Companies. Additionally, beneficiaries will receive assistance in acquiring relevant certifications and licenses from institutions such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), among others. These services are expected to enhance compliance, credibility, and market readiness for youth-owned enterprises.
Reiterating its dedication to the success of beneficiaries, management assured participants of its resolve to support their entrepreneurial journeys. Beneficiaries have been urged to ensure that their business plans are duly submitted to their respective training partners and to adequately prepare to pitch their ideas before the Grant Disbursement Committee when called upon.
The statement concluded with a call for continued engagement and cooperation, as beneficiaries were encouraged to anticipate upcoming business development activities under the Adwumawura Programme.
“Let me assure you once again of our commitment, dedication, and determination to supporting your businesses,” the statement emphasized, signaling management’s confidence in the programme’s vision and implementation strategy.
The Adwumawura Programme remains a key national initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship through structured capacity building, mentorship, and strategic support for young business owners across Ghana.
