Adwumawura Programme Clarifies Scope, Outlines Support for Youth-Owned Businesses

Organisers of the Adwumawura Programme have responded to concerns raised by participants, clarifying that the initiative goes beyond funding and is focused on long-term capacity building for youth-owned businesses across the country.

In a statement addressing feedback from beneficiaries, programme officials emphasized that the Adwumawura Programme was never designed as a funding-only intervention. Instead, it aims to strengthen at least 10,000 youth-owned businesses annually through structured training, mentorship, and business development support.

According to the organisers, the programme has already completed five weeks of intensive entrepreneurship training nationwide. Training partners and innovation hubs involved in the initiative are currently providing continuous mentorship to interested beneficiaries, with support expected to last for six months.

As part of the next phase, beneficiaries are being guided to refine their business plans for submission to the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP). An independent Grant Management Committee is expected to be inaugurated soon to assess the submitted business plans and make recommendations for grant funding.

The statement also highlighted a collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the Nkokonketee Programme. Through this partnership, beneficiaries interested in poultry farming are expected to receive birds and feed to support their ventures. Training partners have been tasked with compiling lists of interested participants, although organisers noted that complete submissions from all partners are still pending.

Beyond training and funding, the Adwumawura Programme will support ideation-stage businesses with formal registration at the Office of the Registrar of Companies. It will also facilitate access to essential certifications and licenses from institutions such as the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, alongside other business development services.

Programme coordinators reaffirmed their commitment to supporting beneficiaries and urged participants to ensure their business plans are duly submitted through their training partners. Beneficiaries are also encouraged to prepare for pitching sessions before the Grant Disbursement Committee.

The organisers assured participants that further business development activities under the Adwumawura Programme will be announced in due course, as the initiative continues its nationwide rollout to empower youth entrepreneurs.