Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, addressed the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), emphasizing the potential benefits of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s key policies for the youth. He highlighted several initiatives designed to empower young people economically, including the 24-Hour Economy initiative, the Women’s Development Bank, the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme, and the Digital Jobs Initiative. His presence at the conference provided a platform to update students on the progress of these policies, as well as to acknowledge the instrumental role TEIN played in the NDC’s electoral victory.
The 24-Hour Economy initiative, according to Dr. Apaak, aims to reshape Ghana’s economic landscape by promoting both import substitution and export-led growth. This strategy seeks to reduce reliance on imported goods while simultaneously boosting the nation’s export capacity, creating a more robust and self-sufficient economy. This, in turn, is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity across various sectors. He also championed the Women’s Development Bank as a critical tool for the economic empowerment of millions of Ghanaian women, providing them with access to financial resources and opportunities to thrive economically.
Dr. Apaak further elaborated on the government’s Digital Jobs Initiative, outlining its components and expected impact on youth employment. He highlighted the “One Million Coders Programme,” which aims to equip one million young Ghanaians with in-demand digital skills such as coding, web application development, and software engineering. This initiative seeks to prepare the youth for the growing digital economy and bridge the skills gap in the technology sector. He also mentioned the establishment of Regional Digital Centres, modeled after the Accra Digital Centre, to foster the expansion of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, creating further job opportunities.
The establishment of a $50 million FinTech Growth Fund was another key component of the Digital Jobs Initiative discussed by Dr. Apaak. This fund is designed to stimulate the growth of digital entrepreneurship and support indigenous FinTech companies, fostering innovation and competitiveness within the financial technology sector. By investing in these emerging technologies, the government aims to create a vibrant digital ecosystem, attracting investment and creating high-skilled jobs for young Ghanaians.
Dr. Apaak’s engagement with the TEIN-UCC members provided an opportunity to bridge the communication gap between the government and the student body. He emphasized the importance of TEIN’s role in shaping national strategies and policies, recognizing the organization’s influence and potential. He called for their continued engagement in the political landscape, urging them to advocate for policies that reflect their values and aspirations. This interaction reinforced the government’s commitment to youth engagement and its recognition of TEIN’s contributions.
The deputy minister’s address underscored the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic development through strategic policy interventions. By focusing on skill development, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship, these initiatives seek to equip young Ghanaians with the necessary tools to thrive in the evolving global economy. The emphasis on youth engagement and the recognition of TEIN’s political influence further demonstrate the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the empowerment of young people as active participants in shaping the nation’s future. The address served as a platform to not only inform students about current governmental policies but also to inspire and encourage their continued engagement in national development.
