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Government’s NEIP Initiative transforms entrepreneurship landscape in Ghana
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has lauded the transformative impact of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) on Ghana’s entrepreneurship landscape.
Speaking at the 3rd Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG 2024) in Sunyani, the President detailed the successes of NEIP and its contributions to reducing youth unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
Launched in 2017, NEIP has been a cornerstone initiative aimed at advancing entrepreneurship and innovation in Ghana. The programme provides critical support to start-ups through funding, training, and mentorship. President Akufo-Addo noted that NEIP has significantly impacted Ghana’s start-up ecosystem, leading to the emergence of numerous innovative businesses across various sectors.
“By offering financial support and business development services, NEIP has enabled 15,000 start-ups to scale up their operations,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
He highlighted that the programme has contributed to the creation of 103,871 jobs as at the end of 2023, fostering economic diversification and empowering the youth.
The President paid tribute to the foundational work of the late John Kumah, the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEIP, and the former Minister for Business Development, Mohammed Awal Ibrahim, for their roles in establishing the programme. He emphasised that NEIP’s success in producing entrepreneurial talent has not only generated thousands of jobs but also positioned Ghana as a hub for innovation in West Africa.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the various forms of support provided by NEIP, including funding, training, and mentorship. The programme’s emphasis on equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources has been instrumental in reducing unemployment and fostering a culture of self-reliance and creativity.
The President noted that NEIP’s success is evident in the numerous innovative businesses that have emerged from the programme. These businesses, he said, are driving sustainable economic development and improving the livelihoods of citizens. NEIP has also played a crucial role in positioning Ghana as a hub for innovation in West Africa.
In addition to NEIP, President Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship. He noted that the government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation extend beyond NEIP, with substantial investments in education and research. The government has disbursed over GH¢700 million in research and book allowances since 2020, underscoring its commitment to advancing education and research in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the government’s focus on STEM education, which is essential for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
He detailed the various initiatives aimed at developing high-quality STEM institutions and programmes, including the construction of the Accra STEM Academy and several STEM Centres and model STEM Senior High schools.
The President concluded by urging all stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives like NEIP and to work collaboratively to advance Ghana’s development through innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation, characterised by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity,” he said.
In his closing remarks, President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for the broad endorsement of the Ghana Automotive Development Policy by Toyota’s representative and echoed the sentiments of Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, for the establishment of a Sunyani industrial outlet of Toyota.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
