The National Youth Authority (NYA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Embassy of France in Ghana to empower the country's youth. The partnership aims to expand opportunities for skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.
NYA CEO Seeks French Support for Youth Empowerment
The NYA's Chief Executive Officer, Osman Ayariga, led a delegation to the French Embassy in Accra for a courtesy call on Ambassador H.E. Diarra Dimé-Labille. Ayariga underscored the authority's appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Ghana and France, describing the relationship as one built on a shared commitment to investing in young people as drivers of national development.
Ghana and France have a long history of collaboration, particularly in education and youth development. The French government has provided significant support for Ghana's education sector, including the establishment of several vocational training centers. However, Ayariga emphasized the need for more robust partnerships to address the country's youth unemployment challenges.
National Apprenticeship Programme to Equip Young Ghanaians
Ayariga highlighted the government's flagship National Apprenticeship Programme as a transformative initiative to equip young Ghanaians with employable, industry-relevant skills. The programme seeks to enhance the economic participation of young people while building a highly productive workforce capable of driving Ghana's socio-economic transformation. According to Ayariga, between five and ten percent of beneficiary slots under the programme have been reserved for persons with disabilities.
The National Apprenticeship Programme has been implemented to address the country's high youth unemployment rates. Ghana's economy has been growing steadily, but the benefits of this growth have not been shared equally among all citizens. The programme aims to provide young Ghanaians with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the country's economic development.
NYA Seeks French Support for Technical and Vocational Training
Ayariga appealed to the Government of France to explore areas of collaboration with the National Youth Authority, particularly in expanding technical and vocational training opportunities. He also sought support for initiatives that would produce a globally competitive youth population. Ayariga 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.
The French government has been a key partner in Ghana's education and youth development sector. The two countries have collaborated on several initiatives, including the establishment of the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. However, Ayariga emphasized the need for more robust partnerships to address the country's youth unemployment challenges.
The partnership between the NYA and the French Embassy in Ghana is expected to yield positive results for the country's youth. With the National Apprenticeship Programme and other initiatives, Ghana is poised to address its youth unemployment challenges and create a more productive and competitive workforce. The country's economic transformation will depend on the skills and knowledge of its young people, and the NYA is committed to working with international partners to deliver sustainable opportunities for all young Ghanaians.
Source: Joy Online
