The second phase of the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project reached a major milestone today with the official grant signing ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Over 4,000 young entrepreneurs from across the country were awarded grants under the initiative, designed to empower the youth of Ghana and foster the growth of sustainable businesses that will drive the nation’s economic progress.
The event marked the next step in the Government of Ghana’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and supporting entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic development. Under Phase 2 of the YouStart initiative, the government is providing critical financial support and mentorship to help young entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses.
In her address, Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), highlighted the significance of this initiative, not only in terms of financial support but also as a testament to the government’s belief in the power of the youth to shape Ghana’s economic future. “It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to mark a significant milestone in our collective effort to empower the youth of Ghana and nurture their entrepreneurial aspirations. Today’s ceremony goes beyond the formal signing of grant agreements; it represents a powerful commitment to the future of our country, built upon the dreams and determination of our young entrepreneurs,” she said.
The Phase 2 grants total GHC 51,866,369.31, which will be distributed to 4,174 young entrepreneurs across Ghana. These grants are designed to support businesses in various stages of development, providing young people with the resources they need to launch or scale their ventures. Along with the financial assistance, beneficiaries will also receive tailored mentorship in key areas such as business management, financial literacy, digital marketing, and market expansion.
The distribution of grants by region is as follows:
Greater Accra: 691 beneficiaries, GHC 8,695,802.08
Central Region: 522 beneficiaries, GHC 6,409,205.18
Eastern Region: 550 beneficiaries, GHC 6,782,639.14
North East Region: 112 beneficiaries, GHC 1,307,603.00
Ashanti Region: 616 beneficiaries, GHC 7,580,795.52
Upper East Region: 196 beneficiaries, GHC 2,337,600.28
Savanna Region: 90 beneficiaries, GHC 1,082,532.00
Northern Region: 364 beneficiaries, GHC 4,327,532.00
Western Region: 180 beneficiaries, GHC 2,379,872.00
Ahafo Region: 61 beneficiaries, GHC 773,257.00
Upper West Region: 118 beneficiaries, GHC 1,357,058.00
Oti Region: 69 beneficiaries, GHC 867,186.00
Volta Region: 137 beneficiaries, GHC 1,853,271.11
Bono Region: 179 beneficiaries, GHC 2,266,819.00
Western North Region: 137 beneficiaries, GHC 1,800,208.00
Bono East Region: 151 beneficiaries, GHC 2,044,989.00
In total, 4,174 beneficiaries from across the country will receive these critical funds as part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to empower youth and foster economic growth.
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh further emphasized the holistic nature of the YouStart program, explaining that the grants are only one part of a larger ecosystem designed to ensure that young entrepreneurs succeed. “These grants, made possible under the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, are not just financial support. They symbolize the Government of Ghana’s unwavering belief in the potential of our youth to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation,” she stated.
Hon. Frema Osei-Opare, Chief of Staff, who also spoke at the event, lauded the efforts of the government and development partners in tackling youth unemployment. “The youth represent our most valuable resource. They bring energy, creativity, and innovation—qualities essential for our economy to flourish in today’s rapidly changing world. By investing in our young people, we are ultimately investing in the future of Ghana,” she said.
Hon. Osei-Opare also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders involved in the success of the project, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Enterprises Agency, and development partners such as the World Bank. “I am also grateful to the Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Kobina Tahir Hammond, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Mohammed Amin Adam, and our partners including the World Bank, for their invaluable support and oversight of the project,” she added.
The Phase 2 grants are part of the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, which has already helped 50,898 beneficiaries nationwide through comprehensive entrepreneurship training. With these resources, young entrepreneurs are better equipped to launch their businesses and contribute to job creation, economic stability, and community development.
Both Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh and Hon. Osei-Opare urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the resources and mentorship provided. “The funds provided are a powerful tool in your hands, and it is up to you to wield them wisely. With these resources, think not only of what you can achieve for yourself but also of how you can create opportunities for others,” Hon. Osei-Opare advised the young entrepreneurs.
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh expressed confidence in the success of the program and the future of youth-led businesses in Ghana. “I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained through this programme, coupled with the financial support provided, will equip you to become the future leaders of our economy. We look forward to seeing your businesses thrive and contribute to the sustainable development of our great nation,” she said.
With Phase 2 of the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project now underway, Ghana is taking bold steps toward a future where innovation, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship are at the heart of the nation’s economic prosperity.