An initiative aimed at creating opportunities for young people to be able to set up businesses, has been launched by President John Dramani Mahama.

Dubbed, Adwumawura Programme, it was launched in Kumasi on Monday, [April 28, 2025] by President Mahama.

Speaking at the ceremony in Kumasi, President Mahama described the initiative as a deliberate effort to offer real opportunities for young Ghanaians to transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises.

He mentioned that the target was to create at least 10,000 Ghanaian youth-owned businesses every year over the next four years.

The Adwumawura Programme, he explained will offer business development training, access to funding, mentorship, market support, and year-round business advisory services. Both new start-ups and existing small businesses are eligible to apply through an online portal.

 “Our goal is to create at least 10,000 Ghanaian youth-owned businesses every year over a four-year period,” President Mahama told a gathering of government officials, development partners, traditional authorities and young entrepreneurs.

Mr Mahama said the Adwumawura Programme is fully funded, with the necessary allocation secured under the 2025 national budget through the Ministry of Finance.

He noted that the programme stands apart from previous youth initiatives that were announced “with a lot of fanfare but proved to be mirages without adequate funding.”

The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), operating under the newly established Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, will oversee the implementation of Adwumawura.

Mr Mahama explained that the programme is intended to be inclusive, youth-led, and open to Ghanaians from all walks of life, including those with little or no formal education.

“Many of the big businesses we see today started as small enterprises,” he said.

“With the right support, young Ghanaians can build businesses that not only change their own lives but also contribute to growing our national economy.”

Applications for the first group of beneficiaries have officially opened, with an independent selection committee set to supervise the process.