Gov’t lays foundation for youth empowerment

By Kizito CUDJOE, Gomoa Fetteh

Government has established a robust foundation for creating and sustaining businesses, jobs and opportunities for the youth as the country positions itself to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said.

Speaking at the 2024 International Youth Day and 3rd National Youth Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region, Dr. Bawumia – who is also the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate – noted government’s commitment to digitalisation as a driving force for economic growth and job creation.

The Vice President emphasised significant strides made in digital infrastructure, including the issuance of over 18 million Ghana Cards, implementation of a National Digital Property Address System and the roll-out of Mobile Money Interoperability.

These initiatives, he noted, have enhanced financial inclusion and streamlined access to public services, setting the stage for youths to participate fully in the emerging digital economy.

“Our government has been dedicated to transforming Ghana into a digital powerhouse since 2017, with a focus on economic growth, transparency and inclusivity,” Dr. Bawumia said. “Key initiatives like the Ghana Card and the National Digital Property Address System have simplified access to essential services, thus boosting economic participation.”

Dr. Bawumia pointed out that these efforts are not just about technology but also about creating opportunities for the youth. These initiatives, along with the upcoming roll-out of a Credit Scoring system, he said, are set to enable Ghanaian youth to engage fully in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

He emphasised government’s initiatives – including free Wi-Fi in senior high schools and tertiary institutions and the provision of 1.3 million free computer tablets to students, as well as expanding telephony services under the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project – as critical steps toward bridging the digital literacy gap.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism about the future of Ghana, stating that from January 2025 government plans to train 1 million youth to create a digital workforce.

This digitally-trained workforce, he believes, will revolutionise key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and finance, and the opportunities available will be global.

Expressing confidence in the can-do spirit of Ghanaian youth, Dr. Bawumia asserted: “We have laid the foundations and provided the infrastructure. The Ghanaian youth have shown their ingenuity in the digital space, and they have proved that they have what it takes to compete globally”.

He added: “I believe they will take full advantage and compete favourably in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is possible!”

The Conference, organised by the National Youth Authority under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, brought together young leaders and stakeholders from across the country, including senior schools – demonstrating government’s focus on leveraging digitalisation to create sustainable employment and economic opportunities for Ghana’s youth.

It was held under the theme ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.

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