President John Dramani Mahama has urged youth in Zongos and inner cities to take advantage of the government’s new initiatives, especially the National Apprenticeship Programme, to develop skills for the world of work.

He further urged Ghanaian youths to take advantage of the Government’s Adwumawurah Programme, which will enable them to start their own business with capital and mentorship.

President Mahama made the appeal in his address during the national Eid al-Adha prayers held at the Blackstar Square in Accra.

He said the Government would also roll out many programmes under the Youth Employment Agency, adding that these programmes were designed to equip the nation’s youth with skills for life, not just for jobs, but to be independent and to have leadership and dignity.

“We will ensure that Zongo communities are no longer neglected. Under our new Zongo Development Framework, we will focus on infrastructure, sanitation, health, sports, and vocational training,” he said.

“I believe that every Ghanaian child deserves a fair shot at success, no matter where they are born, whether in Nima or airport residential area.”

President Mahama said he recently set-up a Committee to begin the planning of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, which was a multi-religious Committee made up of Muslims and Christians.

“I am happy to report that their work is advancing well, and on 1st July this year, which is the day our Republic was born, both Muslim and Christian prayers will be said to Allah to thank Him for the favour that He continues to show our dear nation Ghana,” he said.

“Allah says that if He bestows His blessing on us and we thank Him, He will bestow even more blessings on us.

“And I am sure that after 1st July when we have thanked Him, the economy will be even better, the cedi will be even stronger, and life will be even better for Ghanaians.”

Touching on the nation’s economy, President Mahama said he was aware that many families had been struggling; and that prices were high, jobs were scarce, and hope was dimmed.

He reiterated that the Government was working with focus and urgency to turn things around.

“Our economic reset agenda is anchored on stabilising the cedi, cutting wasteful expenditures, creating jobs, and supporting local industries,” he said.

“I am happy to report that inflation is slowly declining, the cedi is gaining relative stability, and we are taking concrete steps to restore investor confidence and bring lasting relief to Ghanaian households from the hardship.”

He noted that the government could not build the nation’s economy without the youth, especially without the vibrant Zongo youth.

“As we mark this holy day, let us recommit to the values that bind us as one people, faith, sacrifice, love, and unity,” President Mahama said.

“Let us remember the poor, the orphans, the widowed, the sick and the elderly,” he added.