GEA, Mastercard Foundation empower 242 young entrepreneurs with start-up kits in Ashanti Region

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has graduated 242 young entrepreneurs and distributed start-up kits to them under the Agric and Agribusiness to Entrepreneurship component of the Business in a Box initiative at Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti Region.

The initiative is aimed at equipping young people with practical entrepreneurial skills, resources and opportunities to establish sustainable businesses, create jobs and contribute to Ghana’s economic development.

The Chief Executive Officer of the GEA, Margaret Ansei, who announced the development, described the occasion as an inspiring moment, highlighting the importance of agriculture and agribusiness in driving employment creation and enterprise growth.

According to her, the beneficiaries received practical training in fruit juice processing, catfish farming and livestock farming, alongside start-up kits to enable them to translate their acquired skills into viable businesses.

She explained that the Business in a Box initiative goes beyond skills training by providing young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to establish businesses, build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the government's youth employment agenda.

Mrs. Ansei congratulated the graduates on their commitment, resilience and determination throughout the training programme, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to take advantage of the opportunities available in entrepreneurship.

She stressed that agriculture and agribusiness remain important sectors for job creation, business development and economic transformation, adding that empowering young people to participate in these areas could help unlock their potential and improve livelihoods.

The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Hon. Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, also addressed the beneficiaries, urging them to take proper care of the start-up kits and use them productively to achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions.

He emphasized the need for commitment, responsible management and collaboration among the beneficiaries, noting that unity and cooperation would help them grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mr. Mubarak encouraged the young entrepreneurs to recognise the value of the support provided and use the resources to build sustainable enterprises rather than allow the opportunity to go to waste.

The programme forms part of the GEA's broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses and expand economic opportunities for young people through practical skills development and business support.

Mrs. Ansei reaffirmed the agency's commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their aspirations into thriving businesses while harnessing the potential of agriculture and agribusiness to promote inclusive economic growth.

Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the GEA continues to support efforts to equip young people with the skills, resources and opportunities needed to participate in enterprise development and contribute to a more prosperous Ghana.