Mr Sherif Ghali
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have lauded Government for its yet to be launched YouStart programme, expected to address the unemployment situation in Ghana.
Addressing the media after a one-day sensitisation workshop for CSOs on the YouStart Programme in Accra yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Sherif Ghali, said the YouStart programme was timely, coming at a time when the nation’s unemployment numbers were rising after several interventions by Government.
“Government must be commended for deciding to embark on this bold initiative. Investing GH₵10 million in entrepreneurship for the next three years is huge and good news for the numerous Ghanaian youth looking for sustainable jobs. The unemployment numbers can only be reduced when the private sector is supported to expand and create job,” he noted
He further indicated that, per the design and structure of YouStart programme, it would have a huge impact on the Ghanaian youth, and looked forward to it being launched by the President.
Transparency
However, Mr Ghali, added that Government must be transparent in the programme’s management, and must not allow it to become another political tool to favour a few people.
“This is one of the few times that before the launch of a major flagship programme like this, Government has seen the need to take feedback from civil society groups. It signals to us that this time round, the Government intends to do things properly which is a step in the right direction.
“We want Government to be transparent in how the programme is run. We need to know and identify all the beneficiaries of the YouStart programme. Unemployment in this country is a serious issue and programmes like this that help to create jobs for the youth must be accessible to all and transparent,” he stated.
The sensitisation workshop was addressed by the Deputy Minister of Finance and MP for Ejisu, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah; the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Madem. Kosi Yankey; President of the Ghana Association of Bankers, Mr John Awuah’ and other officials from the YouStart secretariat.
CSOs present at the sensitisation workshop were Star Ghana, SENDGhana, Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Centre for Community Livelihood Development, Network of Empowered Youth for Development, Ghana Federation of Disability, African Center for Economic Transformation, Centre for Active Learning and Integrated Development, OXFAM and Institute for Democratic Governance.
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