President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to youth development, urging young Ghanaians to prioritise skills, innovation, and leadership as the country navigates a rapidly evolving global economy.

Speaking as Chief Patron at the Gold Award and Special Honours Presentation Ceremony of the Head of State Award Scheme, the president emphasised that the event goes beyond recognition of academic achievement.

“Today is not just about medals and certificates. It’s about recognising discipline, resilience, leadership, and service,” he stated.

The ceremony, attended by senior government officials, high commissioners from Australia, Britain, Canada, and Barbados, as well as industry leaders and families of award recipients, celebrated young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to personal growth and national development.

Beyond Certificates: Building Character

President Mahama stressed that while formal education provides knowledge, it is character and practical experience that truly shape nation builders.

“If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that certificates alone do not build nations. Character does,” he noted.

He highlighted the importance of non-formal education initiatives like the Head of State Award Scheme, describing them as critical platforms for nurturing leadership, discipline, resilience, and empathy among young people.

“This is where young people learn that leadership is service… and that failure is not the end, but a vital part of growing,” he added.

Government’s Three-Pillar Youth Strategy

The president outlined a clear policy direction focused on equipping young people to become value creators rather than job seekers. He identified three key pillars driving this agenda:

Skills development through expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and apprenticeship programmes

Digital capacity building to position Ghanaian youth in the global knowledge economy

Promotion of values and discipline to strengthen integrity and leadership

“Degrees alone are no longer sufficient. Skills, adaptability, and innovation now determine success,” he said.

Turning Youth Potential into Economic Growth

Describing Ghana’s youthful population as its “greatest asset,” President Mahama warned that failure to invest in young people could turn that asset into a liability.

“This is not rhetoric; it is policy in action,” he declared.

He highlighted the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, designed to boost productivity, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

Key Youth-Focused Initiatives

The president detailed several programmes aimed at empowering the youth:

Adwumawura Programme, which will support over 10,000 young entrepreneurs annually with financing, mentorship, and market access

National Apprenticeship Programme, offering free technical training, certification, and startup kits

One Million Coders Initiative, aimed at building globally competitive digital skills

New Academic Fee Policy, removing financial barriers for first-year tertiary students

He also announced institutional reforms, including the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to streamline youth-focused policies and ensure measurable impact.

Public-Private Collaboration Key to Job Creation

President Mahama underscored the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in tackling youth unemployment.

“Sustainable youth employment will not solely rely on government. It will result from a productive partnership between the state and the private sector,” he said.

Expanding the Head of State Award Scheme

The president described the Head of State Award Scheme as a strategic national development tool rather than a complementary programme.

“While government develops systems and creates opportunities, the Head of State’s Award Scheme develops people,” he explained.

He announced plans to expand the programme to reach 100,000 young people over the next three years.

70 Years of Global Impact

This year’s ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, a global initiative that has shaped leaders and innovators across generations.

“For 70 years, this initiative has molded global leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” the President noted.

Commitment to Ghana Awards House

President Mahama reaffirmed his pledge to complete the Ghana Awards House, revealing that funding has been secured through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

“I haven’t forgotten… I’ve instructed GETFund to provide funding to complete the project,” he assured.

A Charge to Awardees

Congratulating the award recipients, the President challenged them to embrace leadership and responsibility.

“Today is not the end; it is the beginning. You now carry a responsibility—to lead with integrity, serve with humility, innovate with courage, and build your communities,” he urged.

A Call to Ghana’s Youth

In his closing remarks, President Mahama delivered a strong message to young people across the country:

“The future will not be handed over to you—you must build it.”

He emphasized that Ghana’s progress will depend on investments in its youth.

“The future of Ghana will be determined not by what we say, but by what we invest in. And today, we are investing in our most valuable resource—our young people.