Efforts to tackle youth unemployment in Tamale have received a boost as 481 young people have been equipped with tools and resources to start their own businesses under a major entrepreneurship initiative.
The intervention, led by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, forms part of the Business in a Box (BizBox) programme designed to transition trainees into self-employment.
Beneficiaries received start-up kits across a wide range of trades, including food processing, masonry, electrical works, barbering, carpentry, and auto mechanics—reflecting the diverse economic opportunities within the metropolis.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, GEA Chief Executive Margaret Ansei stressed that the initiative goes beyond skills training, providing young people with the practical means to establish sustainable livelihoods. She noted that additional support such as grants, loans, and technical assistance would be made available to beneficiaries who effectively utilise the resources.
Local authorities have described the programme as a critical step toward inclusive economic growth. Adam Abubakari Takoro highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in reducing unemployment and driving development, urging beneficiaries to treat the support as a long-term investment.
Similarly, Seidu Alidu Mahama commended the initiative as a practical solution to youth joblessness, encouraging participants to build viable businesses that can create additional employment opportunities.
The BizBox initiative, implemented through the Access to Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship programmes, is part of a broader national strategy to empower young people with skills, tools, and financial support to thrive in Ghana’s evolving economy.
