The National Youth Authority (NYA) of Ghana, under the leadership of CEO Hon. Ayariga Osman, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of Ghana through a multifaceted approach encompassing skills training, capacity-building programs, and the development of essential infrastructure. Recognizing the crucial role of youth in nation-building, the NYA is strategically investing in programs designed to equip young Ghanaians with the necessary tools to thrive in a competitive global landscape. A key component of this strategy is the upcoming National Apprenticeship Program, championed by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, which aims to provide practical, hands-on experience and foster valuable skills development. The NYA actively encourages widespread youth participation in this transformative initiative, emphasizing its potential to significantly reduce youth unemployment and stimulate innovation.
Speaking at the International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) Ghana 2025, CEO Osman articulated the NYA’s overarching vision and outlined key initiatives designed to address the challenges faced by young people. He underscored the Authority’s open-door policy towards collaborative partnerships and programs aligned with its mission of youth empowerment. This collaborative approach aims to leverage the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to maximize impact and create a synergistic ecosystem for youth development. Osman emphasized the NYA’s ongoing efforts to establish youth centers across the country, strategically positioned to function as hubs for training, mentorship, and resource provision. These centers will play a vital role in providing localized support and guidance to young individuals, fostering community engagement, and promoting peer-to-peer learning.
Central to the NYA’s strategy is a renewed focus on vocational and technical skills training. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled labor in various sectors, the Authority is developing a comprehensive program to equip young people with practical, hands-on experience in a range of technical fields. This program will prioritize skills acquisition that directly translates into sustainable career opportunities, thereby contributing to economic growth and reducing unemployment. The NYA firmly believes that by providing targeted training and mentorship, it can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, empowering young Ghanaians to become productive and contributing members of the workforce.
Beyond skills training and infrastructure development, the NYA also recognizes the crucial role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders. CEO Osman extended an invitation to individuals passionate about youth development to volunteer for NYA-led programs. He highlighted the transformative impact of mentorship, emphasizing its potential to inspire, guide, and nurture young talent. By fostering meaningful connections between experienced mentors and aspiring youth, the NYA aims to cultivate a culture of leadership, innovation, and civic engagement. This emphasis on mentorship underscores the Authority’s commitment to holistic youth development, recognizing that success encompasses not only technical skills but also character development and leadership qualities.
The International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) Ghana, an annual event dedicated to inspiring and empowering the youth, serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration. The summit brings together a diverse array of speakers, industry experts, policymakers, and young people to engage in discussions on personal growth, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. IYES Ghana plays a crucial role in equipping young Ghanaians with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to drive positive change in their communities and contribute to national development. This annual gathering serves as a catalyst for inspiration, networking, and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of collective purpose and empowering young people to become agents of change.
In his concluding remarks, CEO Osman expressed sincere gratitude to the IYES team, particularly Pastor Brian Amoateng, for their dedication and commitment to youth empowerment. He acknowledged the pivotal role of IYES in providing a platform for meaningful engagement and fostering a spirit of collaboration among stakeholders in the youth development sector. The NYA’s participation in IYES Ghana underscores its commitment to engaging with young people directly, listening to their aspirations, and working collaboratively to create a brighter future for the youth of Ghana. The Authority remains steadfast in its mission to empower young Ghanaians to reach their full potential and contribute to a prosperous and thriving nation.
