Over 120,000 Young Ghanaians Rush for GH¢110m Adwumawura Fund to Start Own Businesses
More than 120,000 young Ghanaians have applied to benefit from the GH¢110 million Adwumawura Programme, a flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative launched to support informal sector apprentices with capital, training and access to markets.
The rush for the programme, according to Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr. George Opare-Addo, is a strong indication of the growing interest among Ghanaian youth to break away from the cycle of unemployment and become job creators.
Speaking at the government’s Accountability Series, Mr. Opare-Addo revealed that the programme, which was officially launched by President Akufo-Addo in April 2025, received 8,000 applications within its first week of opening. That figure has since ballooned to over 120,000 as of the latest count, with applications coming in through both online and manual channels.
“This level of interest demonstrates the hunger among our youth for real economic opportunity,” the Minister noted. “And we are responding with real investment — GH¢110 million allocated by the Ministry of Finance this year alone for the nationwide operationalisation of the programme.”
Under the Adwumawura Programme, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), which is the implementing agency, will provide a four-pronged support package:
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Start-up capital to help young apprentices launch their businesses;
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Business development training to strengthen their entrepreneurial and management skills;
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Market access support to connect them to real customers; and
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Ongoing mentorship to ensure sustained growth and resilience.
The programme will be rolled out across all 16 regions, targeting thousands of youth in the informal sector who often lack access to traditional support systems.
“This is not just about giving handouts,” Mr. Opare-Addo emphasised. “It is about investing in a generation that can take control of their economic future and reduce dependence on public sector jobs.”
Screening of applicants is already underway, and NEIP is expected to begin disbursements and training in the coming weeks.
Ghana’s youth unemployment rate remains a pressing national challenge, with thousands entering the job market annually without adequate opportunities. The Adwumawura Programme forms part of broader government efforts to harness youth potential and drive inclusive economic growth.
