Ghana has officially launched the Ghana Women and Youth Employment and Social Cohesion (GWYESCO) Programme. This major initiative aims to create more than 30,000 jobs and economic opportunities across the country for women and young people.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) funds the programme. The Ministry of Finance acts as the executing agency. The Social Investment Fund (SIF) serves as the implementing agency. This programme directly addresses high youth unemployment and unequal access to economic resources for women.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader effort to combat youth unemployment, a persistent challenge. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service consistently highlights significant numbers of young people not in education, employment, or training. Empowering women economically also contributes to national development goals and reduces poverty.
Abass Nurudeen, CEO of the Social Investment Fund, spoke at the launch. He stated, "When women and young people are empowered with skills, financing opportunities and hope, nations thrive." Mr. Nurudeen emphasized the importance of skills and financial access for national progress. He also noted that youth unemployment remains a major threat to economic and social stability.
The GWYESCO Programme will tackle these issues through three main interventions. It will promote market-driven training aligned with industry needs. It will also expand access to financial services for women and youth-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, it will strengthen institutional capacity for sustainable programme delivery.
Beneficiaries will receive training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and digital technology. Technical and vocational skills, agribusiness, and creative industries will also be covered. TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) centers nationwide will see renovation, construction, and equipment upgrades. Women and youth-owned businesses will gain from entrepreneurship support, business development services, and financing access. By 2029, the programme targets supporting over 22,000 women and young people into wage or self-employment.
It also aims to train more than 28,000 beneficiaries in STEM, digital, and creative industry skills. Furthermore, 10,000 women and youth-owned MSMEs will receive entrepreneurship and business development support. Financing access will be provided to 8,000 businesses. Ten TVET centers will be constructed, renovated, and equipped across the nation.
Mr. Nurudeen highlighted the programme's Results-Based Financing (RBF) mechanism. This model links funding directly to measurable outcomes, not just activities. He explained, "This is a shift from financing inputs to financing impact." This approach focuses on accountability and transparency. He acknowledged challenges with RBF in Africa, such as bureaucratic delays. However, he urged stronger collaboration to overcome these obstacles.
The successful implementation of this programme could significantly boost Ghana's youth employment rates. It could also enhance women's participation in the formal economy. Decision-makers and financial markets will watch the programme's progress closely. Its success could attract further investment in human capital development. This initiative represents a concrete step towards inclusive economic growth and social cohesion.