Government allocates GH¢3.5bn to Youth Ministry, GH¢2bn earmarked for jobs and skills

The government has allocated GH¢3.5 billion to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in the 2027 Budget to support young people’s participation in the economy, with a significant portion earmarked for employment and skills development programmes. The allocation is expected to fund youth-focused interventions, support National Service Personnel and strengthen entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young Ghanaians.

Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the allocation while presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament. He said GH¢2 billion of the total amount would be dedicated to youth employment and skills development programmes, making it the largest component of the Ministry’s allocation. A further GH¢1 billion has been earmarked for the payment of allowances to National Service Personnel across the country.

The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) will receive GH¢170 million to support its activities, while GH¢200 million has been allocated to the National Youth Authority (NYA). The allocations form part of government’s broader efforts to promote youth participation in economic activities by supporting employment opportunities, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

GH¢2bn for youth employment and skills development The GH¢2 billion allocation for youth employment and skills development programmes represents the largest share of the GH¢3.5 billion budgetary provision for the Ministry. The funding is intended to support initiatives that equip young people with relevant skills and improve their opportunities to secure employment and participate productively in the economy.

The investment also reflects government’s stated commitment to making youth development a central part of its economic agenda. GH¢1bn earmarked for National Service allowances Dr Forson also announced GH¢1 billion for the payment of allowances to National Service Personnel. The provision is intended to support the government’s financial obligations towards personnel undertaking national service assignments across the country.

National Service Personnel are deployed to various public and private institutions, where they contribute to service delivery and gain practical workplace experience. NEIP, National Youth Authority receive allocations As part of the funding breakdown, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme has been allocated GH¢170 million. The programme is expected to benefit from the provision in carrying out its mandate of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation among Ghanaians.

The National Youth Authority will also receive GH¢200 million to support its activities and youth development interventions. GH¢156m allocated to Labour Ministry Separately, government has allocated GH¢156 million to the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment to support its work in employment and labour administration. Dr Forson said the funding would provide resources for the Ministry to carry out its responsibilities in the employment and labour sector.