Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, the Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, has emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering wealth creation for the youthful population of Ghana in 2024 through comprehensive programs.
Welcoming the New Year, Dr. Kumah acknowledged the government’s historical efforts in the pursuit of national prosperity through wealth creation.
A focal point of these endeavours is the commitment to the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), a critical engine of economic development.
A significant milestone in 2024, as highlighted by Dr Kumah, is the launch of the Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP) by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
This initiative, operating under the leadership of CEO Mr Kofi Baah Agyepong, aims to support 10,000 companies, ultimately creating 20,000 job opportunities for the youth across the nation. Importantly, MSMEs can apply to receive salary support through this program.
Dr. Kumah lauded this move as “another innovative intervention by the Akufo-Addo administration, empowering the youth of Ghana to generate wealth and address the issue of unemployment.”
The commitment to youth empowerment extends across various agencies, including the National Youth Authority, the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme, Ghana Enterprise Agency, Development Bank, COTVET/NVTI, GIPC, and EXIMBank, among others.
These entities have collectively pledged to intensify their efforts in youth empowerment, increased access to finance, and skills training for the nation’s youth.
Highlighting another crucial initiative, Dr. Kumah mentioned the imminent full implementation of the government’s ambitious Youstart Program, aimed at significantly reducing unemployment in Ghana.
“As the Deputy Minister of Finance overseeing wealth creation, I will ensure all government institutions and private sector partners work towards the vision of the President of ensuring a prosperous nation,” he assured.
