Opare-Addo: Mahama Administration Has "Young People at Heart" | Discuss Ghana

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare-Addo, reaffirmed the government's commitment to the youth, stating that President John Dramani Mahama and his administration "have young people at heart".

Speaking in the aftermath of the 69th Independence Day celebrations, Opare-Addo emphasized that the creation of his ministry—the first of its kind in Ghana's history—is the ultimate proof of this dedication.

---

Evidence of a "Youth-Centered" Agenda

Minister Opare-Addo highlighted several flagship initiatives designed to move beyond rhetoric into "bold action":

The First Youth Ministry: Opare-Addo noted that by establishing an independent Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) in January 2025, President Mahama ensured that youth issues are no longer a "sub-topic" but a primary cabinet priority.

Adwumawura Programme: This flagship initiative aims to empower 10,000 young Ghanaians (aged 18–35) with training, financing, and mentorship to launch and scale their own businesses.

No-Fee Stress Policy: The Minister pointed to the successful implementation of the "No-Fee Stress" policy, which relieved over 220,000 Level 100 students of academic fees in 2026, lowering barriers to higher education.

National Apprenticeship Programme: This program offers free technical and vocational training, providing successful apprentices with start-up capital and equipment to establish their own shops.

Digital Transformation: Opare-Addo highlighted the government's goal to train one million young coders, positioning Ghanaian youth to lead the regional digital economy.

---

Strategy: Decentralization and Inclusion

To ensure that "no young person is left behind," the Minister announced plans to decentralize youth agencies:

Ending the "One-Person Beneficiary Syndrome": By moving agencies closer to the 261 districts, the ministry aims to ensure a fairer distribution of resources and prevent the same individuals from monopolizing multiple opportunities.

Youth Resource Centers: The government has committed to completing multi-purpose youth resource centers across six regions, shifting the focus from just "football" to holistic talent development in arts, tech, and other sports.

Non-Partisan Outreach: Opare-Addo reiterated his pledge that his office "knows no party colors," inviting young people from all political backgrounds to participate in the "National Reset".