NEIP gets first batch of Adwumawura beneficiaries

The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) has officially admitted the first batch of applicants under its flagship initiative, Adwumawura, to benefit from training and government investment support.

The onboarding ceremony was held at the Cedi Conference Hall in Accra.

The programme targets young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 and seeks to address youth unemployment and job scarcity by equipping beneficiaries with skills, capital, and mentorship.

Chief Executive Officer of NEIP, Eric Adjei, praised the Mahama administration for prioritising youth empowerment through entrepreneurship.

“The programme aligns with the vision of the President, whose strategic focus on inclusive economic growth and youth empowerment underpins this initiative,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in driving Ghana’s development, adding that the initiative is structured to build a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“The ability of our youth to create and upscale business is critical to our national development. The programme nurtures innovation, facilitates access to funding, provides mentorship, and ensures market integration,” he stated.

The Adwumawura initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 28 at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, received GH₵110 million in August to support this year’s cohort.

The programme aims to create, mentor, and sustain at least 10,000 youth-led businesses annually. Beneficiaries are expected to receive training, startup capital, equipment, and guidance to expand their enterprises and contribute to job creation.

Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged beneficiaries of the Adwumawura training programme to approach the opportunity with focus, resilience, and integrity, stressing that their success will largely depend on their commitment.

Speaking at the onboarding and orientation session for participants on Thursday, October 2, the Vice President encouraged the trainees to view the initiative not as an end in itself, but as a stepping stone to greater achievements.

“I want to remind us, especially our beneficiaries, that this opportunity is only the beginning. What will make the difference is your commitment, your focus, your discipline, your honesty, and your flexibility,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship, noting that no business succeeds without setbacks. However, she urged the beneficiaries to remain innovative and determined in overcoming such obstacles.