Ghana's government has launched the Students Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Programme. This initiative equips tertiary students with practical business skills, mentorship, and funding opportunities. It aims to transform innovative student ideas into sustainable businesses.
The launch took place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The SEED Programme forms part of the broader youth empowerment agenda. This agenda operates under the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).
This new programme continues Ghana's focus on youth employment and skill development. It follows the successful Adwumawura initiative, launched in 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama. That programme supported young entrepreneurs across the country.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang officially launched the programme, stating its core purpose. The initiative aims to address youth unemployment by creating more job creators and innovators. She explained that it builds on Adwumawura's successes.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang disclosed that Adwumawura initially targeted 2,000 businesses for support. The programme, however, extended support to more beneficiaries, reaching over 3,200 firms. It also aimed to train 10,000 businesses annually.
This training target was also exceeded. Over 10,800 young Ghanaians underwent intensive entrepreneurship training for five weeks. They also received six months of post-training mentorship, showing strong engagement.
The Vice President noted the overwhelming response from young people to such initiatives. Thousands of applications were received for a prior programme within 24 hours. She said this demonstrates the high demand for opportunities among Ghanaian youth. It also shows their determination to build successful futures.
The government's responsibility is to channel this energy into viable enterprises. This requires practical support, access to resources, and sustained commitments for students. These enterprises can then grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The SEED programme focuses on shaping entrepreneurial mindsets early. It targets students in universities, technical institutions, and colleges of education. This structured pathway helps students turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
The programme integrates training, mentorship, incubation, and funding access. It offers a comprehensive framework for student entrepreneurs. Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that entrepreneurship is not solely for post-graduation. Young people can begin creating opportunities while still in school.
Ghana needs more job creators, innovators, and risk-takers. Opportunity is found not only in employment but also in the ability to create jobs. The discipline of entrepreneurship also prepares young people for leadership and problem-solving.
Through proper training, students will learn to identify opportunities and manage resources. This prepares them for work and leadership roles. Professor Opoku-Agyemang called for stronger collaboration among various stakeholders. This includes government institutions, innovation hubs, and the private sector. Development partners and student bodies must also collaborate.
This collaboration will ensure the long-term success of the programme. It will help nurture ideas, build businesses, and shape a more prosperous Ghana. The SEED Programme is expected to provide nationwide support for students. This forms part of sustained government efforts to promote innovation and youth empowerment.