Trade Minister spotlights Ghana’s entrepreneurial progress in the USA 

Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare highlighted Ghana's growing competitiveness in entrepreneurship. She stated this reflects the country's commitment to inclusive economic empowerment.

She spoke at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Indianapolis, USA. According to her, entrepreneurship drives opportunity, wealth generation, and national pride. This reinforces its role in inclusive economic development.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare leads Ghana’s delegation at the Congress. The team includes Dr. Mary Awusi from the Ghana Free Zones Authority and Mr. Abdul Razak Baba from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Other senior ministry officials are also present.

The Congress theme is “The Bold Transforms the World.” It focuses on how nations can use entrepreneurship for inclusive transformation.

Delegates from Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Chile, Brazil, and EU partners are attending. The Minister noted that the Government is implementing initiatives to strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through innovation.

A key initiative is the GHS 100 million Adwumawura Programme. Launched in April 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, it aims to establish 10,000 youth-led businesses annually. The goal is to reach 40,000 businesses within four years.

This programme supports individuals aged 18 to 35, including marginalized groups. It offers business training, startup capital, mentorship, and market access.

She also mentioned the 1,000,000 Coders initiative under the Reset Ghana Agenda. This program aims to train one million Ghanaians in digital skills and coding.

The Minister highlighted other support mechanisms like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP). NEIP provides training, funding, and mentorship in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors.

She cited the Ghana Economic Transformation Project as well. This project offers grants for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, there is a revitalized National Apprenticeship Programme for vocational training and self-employment promotion.

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) collaborates with Mastercard Foundation and World Bank on various programs. These include BizBox and Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship (A2E).

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said expanding agribusiness attracts investment into land banks and agro-processing zones. Contract farming partnerships enhance agricultural value chains for industrial transformation.

“Let us all be bold in our pursuit of innovation,” she urged attendees. “Together we can empower our youth and transform the world through entrepreneurship.”