Opare Addo’s innovation can change the image of the youth

By Daniel Kwame Appiah ASARE

Prior to the 2024 elections, my wife and I went to Mama’s Kitchen, a popular restaurant in East Legon, located about five minutes from the police station ,close  Starbite to eat. It was a weekend, and we had gone there for lunch. To our surprise, we spotted a familiar face there.

It was George Opare Addo seated with another gentleman, enjoying a bowl of fufu. I whispered to my wife, “That’s the NDC Youth Organizer.” Just then, the gentleman with him, who happened to be an acquaintance of my wife, greeted her warmly. They exchanged pleasantries while I observed Opare Addo, who was comfortably eating, completely at ease.

It struck me how unpretentious he was. A high-profile political figure enjoying a traditional Ghanaian meal without hesitation. My wife commented on how different his public image seemed from the man sitting before us.

His demeanour was humble and relatable, reflecting an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. It was clear that his actions resonated with the age-old adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This approachability is likely what sets him apart, allowing him to seamlessly transition between professional duties and grassroots interactions.

Fast forward to today, his nomination as the Minister-Designate for Youth Development and Empowerment by President John Dramani Mahama marks a significant milestone in his career. This role presents an incredible opportunity to drive meaningful change, especially as Ghana seeks innovative ways to address youth unemployment and development challenges.

Recommendations for George Opare Addo’s Ministry

To excel in his role and leave a lasting legacy, Opare Addo must focus on actionable strategies that directly impact the youth. These include:

Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship
Unemployment remains a critical issue, and entrepreneurship offers a viable solution. The ministry should prioritize programs that equip the youth with entrepreneurial skills and provide access to funding. Collaborations with private companies like Trolley Market Limited, which specializes in packaging and distributing agricultural products, could inspire youth-led agribusiness ventures.

Skills Development and Training
Establish comprehensive youth skills development programs that focus on technical, vocational, and digital skills. This will prepare the youth for the evolving job market and ensure they remain competitive both locally and internationally.

Empowerment Hubs Across Regions
Create regional youth empowerment hubs that offer co-working spaces, mentorship, and access to technology. These hubs can also serve as innovation centres where young people can collaborate and develop business ideas.

Agribusiness Opportunities
8Agriculture is a key sector of Ghana’s economy, and engaging the youth in agribusiness can drive economic growth. Partnering with Trolley Market Limited can provide training in sustainable farming practices, value addition, and market access, encouraging young people to view agriculture as a viable career path.

Technology Integration
Leverage technology to create digital platforms for job matching, business development training, and networking. Mobile apps and online tools can bridge gaps in accessibility and empower the youth to seize opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with private sector players, NGOs, and international organizations to pool resources and expertise. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can also be tapped into to support youth-focused projects.

Leveraging Trolley Market Limited

Trolley Market Limited offers a unique opportunity for partnership in the agribusiness sector. By working with the company, the ministry could:

• Develop youth training programs in agribusiness.
• Create supply chains that connect young farmers to markets.
• Support value addition initiatives, promoting products for both local and international markets.

George Opare Addo’s ability to connect with people and his grassroots perspective provide a solid foundation for success in his new role. His approach, which combines humility and professionalism, will undoubtedly resonate with Ghanaian youth and inspire confidence in the ministry’s initiatives.

Final Thoughts:

As George Opare Addo ESQ assumes this role, he must stay grounded and accessible, just as he appeared that day at Mama’s Kitchen. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life will be crucial in understanding the challenges faced by Ghana’s youth.

With strategic planning, collaboration, and innovation, he has the potential to leave a legacy of empowerment and transformation for the next generation.

The writer is the General Manager ,Trolley Market Limited

233 548865696

[email protected]

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