The National Youth Authority (NYA) and the French Embassy in Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to expand opportunities for youth empowerment, skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. The renewed commitment was made during a recent courtesy call by the Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, Osman Ayariga, and his delegation on the Ambassador of France to Ghana, H.E. Diarra Dimé-Labille, at the French Embassy in Accra.
This partnership is crucial for Ghana's economic future, as youth unemployment remains a significant challenge. By investing in skills development, the initiative directly addresses the need for a more productive and employable workforce. The collaboration aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify its economy and foster local talent, reducing reliance on traditional sectors.
Osman Ayariga, the NYA Chief Executive, underscored the authority's appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Ghana and France. He described the relationship as one built on a shared commitment to investing in young people as drivers of national development. Ayariga noted the authority's determination to deepen institutional collaborations that create meaningful opportunities for Ghanaian youth through skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and international partnerships.
The NYA chief executive highlighted the government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Programme. He described it as a transformative initiative designed to equip young Ghanaians with employable, industry-relevant skills. According to Ayariga, the programme seeks to enhance the economic participation of young people. It also aims to build a highly productive workforce capable of driving Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
Ayariga appealed to the Government of France to explore areas of collaboration with the National Youth Authority. He specifically mentioned expanding technical and vocational training opportunities. He also sought facilitation of knowledge exchange and support for initiatives that would produce a globally competitive youth population. He expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between the two institutions would create lasting benefits for young people and further strengthen bilateral relations between Ghana and France.
As part of the authority’s commitment to inclusive development, Osman Ayariga disclosed a significant policy decision. Between 5 and 10 percent of beneficiary slots under the National Apprenticeship Programme have been reserved for persons with disabilities. This decision reflects the government’s determination to ensure that no young Ghanaian is left behind in the country’s economic transformation. It also reaffirms the Authority’s resolve to work with international partners to deliver sustainable opportunities for all young people.
This deepened partnership is expected to yield tangible results in the coming years. It will provide critical skills to thousands of young Ghanaians. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the implementation of these programs. The success of these initiatives could significantly impact Ghana's labor market and overall economic growth. The focus on technical and vocational training is particularly important for addressing the skills gap in various industries.