By: Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the critical role of skills development, discipline and youth empowerment in Ghana’s transformation agenda, as he addressed the Gold Award and Special Honours Presentation Ceremony of the Head of State’s Award Scheme.
Speaking as Chief Patron, the President described the ceremony as more than a celebration of medals and certificates, emphasising that it recognises values such as resilience, leadership, service and a commitment to excellence among young people.
He noted that this year’s theme, “Equip, Empower, Excel: Building Brighter Futures Through Opportunities,” reflects a national call to action anchored on inclusion, productivity and opportunity creation.
Character Development Key to Nation-Building
President Mahama stressed that while formal education remains important, character development is key to nation-building, highlighting the role of non-formal platforms like the Head of State’s Award Scheme in shaping responsible and disciplined leaders.
He said such programmes instil in young people the understanding that leadership is rooted in service, and that failure is part of growth, adding that nation-building begins with personal responsibility.
Skills and Innovation Central to Economic Growth
Addressing the evolving global economy, the President pointed out that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient, stressing the need for skills, adaptability and innovation.
He outlined government’s policy direction focused on three key pillars: expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and apprenticeship pathways, enhancing digital capabilities, and promoting values of integrity and leadership.
“If education is the key to success, then skills are the engine of economic transformation,” he stated, warning that Ghana’s youthful population could become a liability without deliberate investment.
24-Hour Economy and Job Creation Drive
President Mahama highlighted the government’s strategy to transform the country’s youth into a demographic dividend through skills development, enterprise and innovation, anchored on the 24-hour economy initiative aimed at expanding productivity and creating jobs.
Flagship Youth Empowerment Programmes
He announced a series of flagship interventions, including the Adwumawura Programme, which is expected to support over 10,000 young people annually with financing, mentorship and market access.
He also cited the National Apprenticeship Programme, which will provide free technical training, certification and startup kits, and the One Million Coders initiative designed to position Ghana as a hub for digital talent.
In addition, the President revealed a new academic fee policy to ensure that no first-year student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints.
Strengthening Institutions for Youth Development
He further announced the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to streamline youth-focused policies and improve coordination and delivery.
President Mahama emphasised that sustainable youth employment requires strong collaboration between government and the private sector, noting that while government creates opportunities, programmes like the Head of State’s Award Scheme play a strategic role in developing the human capital needed to drive national progress.
Expanding Reach of the Award Scheme
He disclosed plans to expand the scheme to reach 100,000 young people over the next three years, describing the target as ambitious but necessary.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Ghana Awards House, directing the GETFund to provide the required support to ensure the facility is delivered as a long-term investment in youth development.
Charge to Awardees and the Youth
Congratulating the awardees, President Mahama urged them to see the recognition as the beginning of greater responsibility, calling on them to lead with integrity, serve with humility and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He concluded by stressing that Ghana’s future will depend on deliberate investments in its youth, urging young people to take charge of their destiny and become innovators, builders and problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.
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