Introduction

Ghana stands at a pivotal crossroads, with its future resting on the shoulders of a young and dynamic population. With over half of the nation’s citizens under the age of 25, this demographic majority presents a remarkable opportunity to propel Ghana toward sustainable development. Yet, if this potential is left untapped, the nation risks missed opportunities and the threat of economic stagnation.

The stakes could not be higher: how Ghana leverages the aspirations, creativity, and energy of its youth will be instrumental in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring long-term prosperity.

Historically, the wealth of a community lay in its lands and the wisdom of its elders. Today, Ghana’s true treasure lies in the capabilities of its youth—their adaptability, creativity, and drive to merge tradition with modernity. Yet, significant barriers persist high youth unemployment, limited access to funding, outdated education systems, and infrastructure deficits. These obstacles threaten to restrict the youth's potential, perpetuating cycles of economic hardship.

The stories of young Ghanaians offer a vivid illustration of this potential. Take Alloysius Attah, co-founder of Farmerline, who has transformed the agricultural landscape by using mobile technology to connect rural farmers with critical resources, boosting productivity and economic resilience. Similarly, Iddris Sandu, a Ghanaian-American tech prodigy, has made waves on the global stage, developing cutting-edge technology solutions for companies like Google and Uber. Their successes highlight the boundless innovation young Ghanaians can achieve when given the right opportunities.

Yet, for every story of triumph, there are countless others of unrealized potential. I recall my encounter with young computer science graduates in Takoradi, brimming with dreams of launching software companies, yet held back by limited access to funding and mentorship. Similarly, young women in rural Ghana with groundbreaking ideas for sustainable agriculture remain constrained by insufficient training and resources. These stories underscore the systemic barriers that continue to prevent many young Ghanaians from fulfilling their promise.

Recognizing the urgency of the moment, the NDC has introduced a series of youth-centric policies designed to harness this demographic dividend. Central to this vision is a 24-hour economy that drives continuous economic activity, powered by youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme Expansion, and the One Million Coders Programme exemplify the NDC's commitment to transforming Ghana into a hub of productivity and innovation.

This article critically examines these forward-thinking policies, evaluating their potential to address systemic challenges, unlock Ghana’s demographic dividend, and advance progress toward the SDGs. Through this analysis, I intend to explore how empowering Ghana's youth can shape a future marked by resilience, inclusivity, and economic vitality. Join me as I delve into how the NDC’s strategic investments in youth innovation could redefine the nation's trajectory and turn Ghana into a beacon of development and opportunity.

1. Understanding Ghana’s Youth Potential

Demographic Overview

Ghana’s population structure is distinctly youthful, with an estimated 57% of its citizens under the age of 25. This demographic reality presents both an extraordinary opportunity and a formidable challenge for the nation's development trajectory.

A population with such a significant proportion of young, energetic individuals has the potential to be a catalyst for rapid economic growth and innovation, provided that the necessary strategic investments and policies are in place. Economists and development specialists highlight the concept of the "demographic dividend," which posits that when a country’s working-age population is sufficiently educated, skilled, and gainfully employed, it can lead to accelerated economic productivity and a reduction in dependency ratios.

Ghana's youthful demographic is a latent asset capable of transforming core sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. The energy, adaptability, and creativity of young Ghanaians can drive advancements in these sectors, fostering a more diversified and resilient economy. The NDC has acknowledged this potential in its policy agenda, emphasizing the critical need for well-targeted investments that channel youthful energy into productive and sustainable economic activities.

However, the realization of this potential hinges on overcoming entrenched structural and societal challenges. These obstacles include insufficient employment opportunities, limited access to capital and resources, and systemic inefficiencies that hinder young people from fully engaging in and contributing to the economy. Addressing these barriers is essential to unlocking the demographic dividend and ensuring that Ghana’s youth become the architects of a prosperous and sustainable future.

Youth-Driven Economic Opportunities

The ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of young Ghanaians cannot be overstated, as these qualities underscore their potential and vital role as drivers of innovation and economic transformation. For instance, tech innovators like Iddris Sandu have shown the extraordinary heights Ghanaian youth can reach when given the right tools and opportunities. Sandu, a prodigy who developed solutions for companies like Google and Uber, exemplifies the impact of investing in digital education and skills training, much like what the NDC’s One Million Coders Programme aims to achieve.

The technology sector, in particular, is experiencing robust growth, with substantial opportunities emerging in software development, mobile technology, and digital marketing. In agriculture, young entrepreneurs like Alloysius Attah, co-founder of Farmerline, are using mobile technology to connect farmers with essential information and resources, significantly boosting productivity. This kind of innovation highlights the potential impact of NDC’s Youth Innovation and Industrial Parks, which could foster similar ventures and drive advancements in agriculture.

Personal Story for Engagement: Take Kwame, a recent university graduate from Takoradi who has struggled to find a job that matches his skills in computer science. “I’ve always dreamed of starting my own software company,” Kwame says, “but without funding and the right mentorship, it feels impossible.” Kwame’s story is not unique; it reflects the challenges faced by thousands of young Ghanaians who have the passion and ideas but lack the resources to bring them to life. The NDC’s proposed initiatives, such as access to startup capital and business mentorship, could be life-changing for people like Kwame.

Beyond traditional entrepreneurship, young Ghanaians are poised to lead in social entrepreneurship, addressing societal challenges through innovative and sustainable business models. The creative industries are another shining example, with global icons like Wiyala, Shatta Wale, and fashion designer Nana Kofi Acquah bringing international acclaim to Ghana. The Youth-In-Export Initiative could be instrumental in helping more young creatives access global markets, fueling economic growth and elevating Ghana’s cultural impact worldwide.

Current Challenges Facing Ghanaian Youth

Despite their immense potential, Ghanaian youth encounter several persistent challenges that threaten to undermine their contributions to economic development:

• High Unemployment Rates: Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, with the Ghana Statistical Service reporting that the unemployment rate among youth aged 15-24 stands at 19.7%, while the 2021 Ghana Labour Force Report indicates that the overall national unemployment rate is 13.4%. Many young graduates struggle to find employment that matches their skills, contributing to a growing population of disillusioned youth who are unable to engage productively in the economy. The lack of adequate employment opportunities not only breeds economic frustration but also reinforces cultural and societal pressures. Without viable pathways to meaningful work, many young Ghanaians feel compelled to conform to traditional career paths, even when their aspirations lie elsewhere.
• Cultural and Societal Barriers: Deep-seated cultural norms and societal expectations still direct many young Ghanaians toward conventional career paths, discouraging risk-taking and entrepreneurship. Economic uncertainties amplify this aversion to non-traditional careers, while marginalized groups, such as women and rural youth, face compounded challenges.
• Limited Access to Resources: Young entrepreneurs often face significant obstacles in securing financial capital. According to the World Bank, only about 22% of youth-led businesses in Ghana successfully obtain adequate funding from banks or formal financial institutions. The barriers include a lack of collateral, limited financial literacy, and a reluctance by lenders to invest in start-ups. This financial gap restricts the entrepreneurial ambitions of many young people, making it difficult for them to establish and grow successful businesses.
• Skills Gaps: While Ghana's education system is extensive, it has not sufficiently evolved to meet the demands of the contemporary job market. Many young graduates possess theoretical knowledge but lack the practical and technical skills necessary for employment in rapidly changing industries. This skills mismatch creates a barrier to economic productivity, with employers often citing difficulties in finding candidates who have the entrepreneurial or technical expertise needed for their roles.
• Technological Infrastructure Deficits: The disparity in technological infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, continues to hinder youth engagement in the digital economy. The Ghana
  National Communication Authority highlights that broadband internet penetration remains uneven, limiting digital access for a large segment of the population. This digital divide exacerbates economic inequality and curtails opportunities for youth-driven innovation in technology and other knowledge-based sectors. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy measures, substantial investment in youth development, and a societal shift toward embracing innovation and entrepreneurship. The NDC’s proposed initiatives are designed to tackle these obstacles directly, with a strategic focus on creating an enabling environment that empowers Ghana’s youth to thrive and lead the nation’s economic advancement.

1. The NDC’s Youth-Centric Policies: An Overview

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), in its 2024 manifesto, has outlined a comprehensive framework for youth empowerment, aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Ghana’s young population through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, skills development, and digital transformation. Recognizing that empowering the youth is not just an economic necessity but a fundamental pathway to sustainable national development, the NDC’s strategy includes several key initiatives:

I. Adwumawura Programme: The Adwumawura Programme is designed to facilitate the creation, support, and tracking of 10,000 youth-led businesses annually. This initiative will be supported by a comprehensive mentorship network and accessible funding mechanisms.

• Key Components: The programme will link young entrepreneurs with industry mentors to provide guidance while offering low-interest loans and grants to break down financial barriers. Additionally, a detailed business tracking system will ensure transparency and monitor the impact of these ventures.
• Inclusivity Focus: To address gender disparities, the Adwumawura Programme will include targeted support for women entrepreneurs. This will encompass leadership training, dedicated funding, and mentorship opportunities to empower women-led startups. By fostering gender equity, the NDC aims to break down barriers and enable young women to succeed in business.

II. National Apprenticeship Programme Expansion: The NDC plans to scale up the National Apprenticeship Programme to close the skills gap among Ghanaian youth. This expansion will feature a Business Growth Apprenticeship Module, providing youth with both technical skills and business management training.

• Key Features: The programme will collaborate with major industries to offer practical, market-aligned training in sectors like construction, ICT, and agribusiness, while also emphasizing soft skills such as communication and leadership.
• Inclusivity Focus: To ensure inclusivity, the programme will introduce tailored training opportunities for rural and marginalized youth. For instance, rural youth will receive specialized training in sustainable agribusiness practices, equipping them to transform local economies. The program will also create inclusive environments for persons with disabilities, offering adaptive technologies and support services to ensure full participation.

III. One Million Coders Programme: The NDC recognizes the critical role of digital transformation in today’s economy. The One Million Coders Programme aims to equip one million young Ghanaians with skills in coding, software development, and digital marketing.

• Alignment with Digital Economy: The programme will establish tech hubs across the country, prioritize regions with limited internet access, and collaborate with international tech firms for world-class training.
• Gender Inclusivity: The initiative will actively encourage young women to participate in tech training, partnering with women-in-tech organizations and offering mentorship to break down barriers and promote gender equality in the digital space.

IV. Youth Innovation and Industrial Parks (YIIP): The NDC plans to create Youth Innovation and Industrial Parks in collaboration with the private sector. These parks will serve as hubs for nurturing and scaling youth-led businesses.

• Key Features: The parks will offer co-working spaces, business development services, and resources like legal assistance and financial advisory. By decentralizing economic opportunities, these parks aim to curb urban migration and foster regional economic growth.
• Support for Rural Youth: By prioritizing the establishment of these parks in underserved regions, the NDC seeks to empower rural youth and provide them with the infrastructure needed to innovate and succeed.

V. Youth-In-Export Initiative: This initiative is focused on integrating youth-led businesses into global value chains, providing them with the necessary training and resources to compete internationally.

• Support Mechanisms: The programme will offer export training, quality assurance support, and opportunities to participate in international trade fairs.
• Inclusivity Emphasis: Special efforts will be made to include young entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to access global markets and succeed.

The NDC’s youth-centric policies present a bold vision for empowering Ghana’s young population through targeted support for entrepreneurship, skills development, and digital transformation. By prioritizing inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind, these initiatives aim to harness the immense potential of Ghana’s youth and drive sustainable economic growth. With effective implementation and a focus on equity, the NDC’s strategy could pave the way for a more prosperous and resilient future for all Ghanaians.

3. Assessing the Potential Impact of the NDC’s Youth-Centric Policies

The NDC's proposed youth empowerment initiatives have the potential to create transformative changes in Ghana's economic and social landscape. However, the success of these policies will depend on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the ability to overcome persistent structural challenges. Here’s a critical assessment of their potential impact:
Economic Impact

1. Job Creation: The Adwumawura Programme, which aims to establish and support 10,000 youth-led businesses annually, could significantly reduce youth unemployment if successfully executed. By fostering entrepreneurship and creating a supportive ecosystem for young business owners, the NDC’s initiatives could generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting economic productivity.
2. Economic Diversification: The focus on tech-driven entrepreneurship and skills training, particularly through the One Million Coders Programme, positions Ghana to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors and build a smart economy. This approach could reduce the country’s reliance on volatile commodities and create new streams of revenue, particularly in ICT, agribusiness, and creative industries, fostering a more innovative and resilient economic landscape.
3. Increased GDP Contribution: By equipping young people with market-relevant skills and integrating them into the formal economy, these policies are expected to increase youth participation in productive activities, potentially boosting Ghana's GDP.
   Social Impact

• Reducing Poverty and Inequality: The National Apprenticeship Programme Expansion and Youth Innovation and Industrial Parks aim to provide economic opportunities across the country, including in underserved regions. By decentralizing development and providing resources to young people in rural areas, these policies could help reduce poverty and narrow the urban-rural divide.
• Empowering Marginalized Groups: The emphasis on inclusivity, with a focus on women and rural youth, seeks to address social inequalities. Initiatives like gender-focused entrepreneurship training could empower young women, giving them equal access to economic opportunities and reducing gender disparities.
  Technological Advancement
• Digital Transformation: The One Million Coders Programme is expected to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation, creating a tech-savvy workforce capable of driving innovation. By training young people in high-demand digital skills, the program could position Ghana as a leader in Africa’s technology landscape, attracting international investment in tech-related sectors.
• Global Competitiveness: Initiatives like the Youth-In-Export Programme aim to integrate young entrepreneurs into global markets, enhancing the international visibility of Ghanaian businesses. This could lead to an increase in exports, foreign exchange earnings, and the global competitiveness of Ghana’s youth-driven economy.

Challenges and Potential Pitfalls

Despite the promising potential, the NDC’s youth-centric policies face several challenges:

• Resource and Funding Constraints: Implementing these ambitious programs will require substantial financial investment. Given Ghana’s current economic challenges, securing the necessary funding might be difficult. Without adequate resources, these programs risk being underfunded and ineffective.
• Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: Ghana’s public sector has historically struggled with bureaucratic red tape and inefficiencies, which could hinder the timely and effective implementation of these policies. Streamlining administrative processes and ensuring transparency will be critical to the success of these initiatives.
• Youth Readiness and Mindset: Not all young Ghanaians may be ready to embrace entrepreneurship, especially in a culture where traditional career paths are often preferred. The NDC will need to invest in changing mindsets and providing extensive training to prepare the youth for the risks and challenges of entrepreneurship.
• Infrastructure Limitations: The success of digital initiatives, such as the One Million Coders Programme, depends heavily on the availability of reliable internet and technological infrastructure. In rural areas, where connectivity remains a challenge, implementing these programs may be difficult.
• Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of these policies is crucial. The NDC will need to establish continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and adapt strategies as needed.

1. Strategies for Effective Implementation

To ensure the success of its youth-centric policies, the NDC must adopt strategic measures that address funding, efficiency, and inclusivity. Here are some practical recommendations, along with potential obstacles and strategies to overcome them:

1. Mobilizing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Strategy: Leverage private sector expertise and resources by forming alliances with companies in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. These partnerships can provide financial investment, mentorship, and advanced training programs. For example, tech firms could enhance the One Million Coders Programme with cutting-edge digital education.

Potential Obstacle: Ensuring accountability and alignment of interests between public and private sectors can be challenging.

Solution: The NDC could establish clear accountability frameworks, including performance-based agreements and regular audits, to monitor the effectiveness of partnerships. A public oversight committee could be created to ensure transparency and that the partnerships align with national development goals.

2. Streamlining Bureaucratic Processes

Strategy: Establish a one-stop service centre for youth initiatives, simplifying access to funding, mentorship, and business registration. Digital governance solutions can further streamline applications and improve efficiency.

Potential Obstacle: Resistance to change within the public sector and delays in the adoption of new digital systems.

Solution: The NDC can implement change management programs, including training for civil servants and incentives for adopting new processes. Engaging young digital experts in the design and implementation of these systems could also accelerate adoption.

3. Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks

Strategy: Develop a robust M&E system to track key metrics like job creation and business success rates. Regular performance reviews will enable timely adjustments to policies.

Potential Obstacle: Collecting reliable data and ensuring continuous monitoring in rural and remote areas.

Solution: The NDC could partner with local community organizations and use mobile technology to collect data efficiently. Additionally, setting up regional M&E hubs would ensure that even rural areas are covered comprehensively.

4. Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Risk-Taking

Strategy: Integrate entrepreneurship and innovation into school curricula and organize national innovation challenges to motivate youth.

Potential Obstacle: Resistance to educational reforms from traditionalists and a lack of infrastructure to support hands-on learning experiences.

Solution: The NDC could engage educational stakeholders early in the reform process and pilot the new curriculum in select schools to demonstrate its effectiveness. Additionally, partnerships with private organizations could help provide the necessary infrastructure and resources for experiential learning.

Conclusion

Ghana stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with the future shaped largely by the energy, creativity, and potential of its youthful population. The NDC’s youth-centric policies present a bold and ambitious plan to harness this demographic dividend through strategic investments in innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development, and the advancement of a 24-hour economy.

Initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme Expansion, the One Million Coders Programme, Youth Innovation and Industrial Parks, and the Youth-In-Export Initiative are thoughtfully designed to create meaningful economic opportunities for young Ghanaians. These initiatives also position the country to thrive in an interconnected, always-active global economy, where productivity and economic engagement can continue around the clock.

The NDC’s emphasis on a 24-hour economy aligns directly with several SDGs, such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 4 (Quality Education). By fostering an environment where economic activities are sustained continuously and empowering youth with the skills to participate in a global digital marketplace, these policies are poised to accelerate Ghana's development and reduce inequalities. Furthermore, initiatives like the Youth-In-Export Programme have the potential to boost SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by connecting young entrepreneurs to international markets, thereby enhancing trade and collaboration.

However, the true impact of these policies will depend on how effectively they are implemented and sustained. Addressing challenges such as limited resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and infrastructural deficits will be essential. Moreover, building strong collaborations with the private sector, establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensuring inclusivity across gender and regional lines will be critical for long-term success. The concept of a 24-hour economy requires seamless infrastructure and governance to keep pace with the demands of continuous productivity.

The purpose of this article has been to critically assess the potential of the NDC’s youth empowerment strategies, highlighting both the opportunities and the obstacles that lie ahead. As Ghana embarks on this ambitious journey to transform its economy through the ingenuity and energy of its youth, a united effort from all sectors of society is necessary. Only through sustained commitment, adaptive strategies, and a shared vision can Ghana truly unlock the power of its young generation, drive continuous economic activity, and achieve its SDGs, ensuring a prosperous and resilient future for the nation.