Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has highlighted the government’s efforts over the past seven years to create job opportunities and foster sustainable businesses for Ghanaian youth.
Speaking at the 2024 National Youth Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region, he emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in preparing the youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Bawumia outlined several key initiatives, including the issuance of over 18 million Ghana Cards, the National Digital Property Address System, Mobile Money Interoperability, and the integration of various national databases to ensure document authenticity. Upcoming projects include a new credit scoring system.
The conference, which coincided with International Youth Day on August 12, focused on the theme “From Clicks to Process: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” It brought together youth groups, students, policymakers, traditional leaders, and diplomats to explore how digital tools can empower youth.
Bawumia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring inclusivity in the digital revolution. He praised the efforts made since 2017 to transform Ghana into a digital leader, highlighting improvements in public services and transparency through digitalization.
He also mentioned initiatives like providing free Wi-Fi in senior high schools and tertiary institutions, distributing 1.3 million free computer tablets, and expanding telephony services through the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project.
Looking ahead, Bawumia announced plans to train one million youth starting in January 2025 to build a digital workforce, aiming to revolutionize sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance. He expressed confidence in the Ghanaian youth’s ability to excel in the digital era and compete globally.
The future is bright for Ghana, as we have laid the groundwork and provided the necessary infrastructure. The Ghanaian youth have demonstrated their ingenuity and readiness to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Bawumia concluded.
