The National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP) has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at creating 120,000 jobs through its newly launched Skills For Jobs Project.
The project, which was launched in Accra, seeks to provide practical vocational training to 100,000 youth across Ghana, equipping them with lifelong skills to enhance employability and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The Skills For Jobs Project is part of NEIP’s efforts to tackle the persistent issue of youth unemployment in the country, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. The programme also aims to address the growing problem of rural-urban migration by creating job opportunities locally. By the end of the project, NEIP hopes to generate 120,000 jobs for young people, contributing significantly to reducing unemployment across the nation.
Speaking at the launch, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive Officer of NEIP, highlighted the program’s achievements since 2017. “We have provided business development support to about 250,000 beneficiaries, starter packs to 35,000 businesses, and funding to approximately 15,000 companies. These efforts have resulted in the creation of about 100,000 jobs,” he stated.
He further elaborated on the expanded scope of the new project, noting that it builds on the earlier Kayayei Empowerment Programme. “We are here again to unveil another impactful intervention from H.E Alhaji Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia—the Skills For Jobs project. The Vice President tasked us to train an additional 100,000 youth across the country in various skill areas,” Mr. Nkansah added.
The project will provide training in skills such as soap and detergent making, cereal processing, yoghurt and local drinks production, cosmetics, baking, beading and jewellery, pedicure and manicure, decor, makeup artistry, mobile phone repairs, CCTV installation, and entrepreneurship, among others. Trainees will be selected from districts nationwide, with the assistance of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Dr. Steven Amoah, Deputy Minister of Finance in charge of Wealth Creation, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing youth unemployment through such projects. He also contrasted the government’s efforts with opposition policies, stating, “The NPP government is the only one that wants to provide alternative livelihoods for the youth, unlike the NDC’s focus on Okada riding.”