The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) and the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) to expand skills development opportunities for young Ghanaians and address persistent youth unemployment and skills gaps.

The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which seeks to strengthen collaboration among government, faith-based organisations and industry stakeholders to equip young people with employable skills and create pathways to economic opportunities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on August 4, 2026, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, described the agreement as more than a routine administrative exercise, saying it represents a shared national commitment to invest in Ghana’s greatest resource, its youth.

According to him, the Ministry was established to coordinate a vibrant youth ecosystem that enables every young Ghanaian to become healthy, skilled, innovative and globally competitive.

Opare Addo explained that the Ministry’s role extends beyond implementing isolated programmes, noting that it aims to bring together government institutions, faith-based organisations, academia, development partners, civil society and the private sector to create an environment in which young people can thrive.

“No single institution can address the complex challenges facing the youth of today, whether it is unemployment, skills mismatch, mental health, substance abuse, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, migration, climate resilience or civic responsibility. The solutions require collaboration between partners,” he said.

The minister noted that many young Ghanaians continue to face challenges such as limited employment opportunities, inadequate access to information, skills mismatch, weak technology and start-up support systems, as well as youth health concerns.

He stressed that addressing these issues requires stronger partnerships with institutions that have proven expertise in skills development and innovation.

Under the agreement, MYDE will provide policy leadership and coordinate implementation through national youth development platforms, while DTI will contribute its expertise in competency-based training, curriculum innovation, workforce development and industry engagement.

The collaboration is expected to expand opportunities in technical and vocational education, structured internships, entrepreneurship development and digital skills training.

General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev Dr Cyril Fayose, described the partnership as a significant step towards shaping the future of the country through investment in young people.

“This is more than the signing of a document. It is a public commitment by the Church and the State to work together to shape the future of Ghana by investing in our greatest asset, our young people,” he said.

Rev Dr Fayose noted that the agreement comes shortly after the global observance of World Population Day, which highlighted the importance of investing in the aspirations and potential of young people.

He observed that more than one-third of Ghana’s population is made up of young people, presenting what he described as a major demographic opportunity.

“If properly equipped with education, skills, values and opportunities, they can drive economic growth, innovation and national transformation. However, if neglected, the same demographic advantage can become a source of unemployment, frustration, insecurity and social instability,” he cautioned.

President of the Design and Technology Institute, Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, expressed excitement about the partnership and underscored the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to create opportunities for young people.

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She stressed the importance of developing a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also grounded in strong ethical values and professionalism.

According to her, employers are increasingly seeking young people who are “fit for purpose” and equipped with the right attitudes and work ethic to succeed in the workplace.



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