The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has called on private-sector companies to extend a helping hand to aid the hosting of the 13th African Games in Ghana.

Under the theme "Empowering & Igniting Young Visionaries," the Minister expressed profound gratitude to Absa Bank for spearheading the youth development initiative in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation.

Ussif detailed transformative policies like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), Free Senior High School (Free SHS), YouStart, and the Youth in Agriculture program, all designed to empower young visionaries across Ghana. He passionately called on the youth to actively engage in climate change issues, emphasising the importance of their innovative solutions in policy-making processes.

He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the private sector and government, represented by Absa Bank, in creating a conducive atmosphere for youth development.

In a bold challenge to the youth, Ussif urged them to leverage the opportunities presented at the forum and become the visionaries shaping Ghana's future. He stressed the need for a vibrant youth population to drive the nation towards prosperity.

In a pivotal moment, the Minister proudly announced Ghana's hosting of the 13th African Games in Accra next year, inviting young visionaries to actively participate and showcase their diverse skills. Specifically, he called for private sector sponsorship, stating, "I extend a special call to the private sector, urging their active participation and sponsorship of the 13th African Games."

He added, "An investment in this event will not only contribute to its success but will also leave a lasting impact on the development of youth through sports."

The Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs of Absa Bank Ghana, Mrs. Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, noted the significance of connecting with the youth and helping them transition from the classroom to the world of work. She emphasised Absa Bank's core value of inclusion, showcasing the bank's commitment to skills grooming and preparing the youth for the world of work.

The Absa Bank Ghana Ltd in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, hosted a ReadytoWork youth engagement event on November 27 and 28 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). The event aimed to provide a platform for preparing the youth effectively for the job market, bringing together stakeholders in the youth development ecosystem for impactful conversations.