Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, has reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment, urging traditional authorities and development partners to prioritise innovation-led entrepreneurship.

He made the call during the grand finale of the 2025 Asogli State Youth Empowerment (ASYE) Forum, where GH¢260,000 was awarded to eight promising youth-led enterprises.

The event, held on Saturday, 19th July at the Ho Technical University (HTU) Auditorium, attracted over 300 participants, including entrepreneurs, aspiring business leaders, and development partners. It forms part of a broader initiative aimed at building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Volta Region and beyond.

Chairing the event, Togbe Afede XIV described the finalists’ business ideas as a “beacon of hope” for the future of the region. “The courage, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive exhibited here today assure us that the next generation of leaders is ready to take charge,” he stated.

Out of 284 applications received from across ASYE and other parts of the country, eight businesses were selected to receive the ASYE Innovation Grant following a rigorous review process, which concluded with live pitch presentations at the forum.

“This is more than just funding. It is about belief—belief in the capacity of our youth to solve problems, to build enterprises, and to transform lives,” Togbe Afede added.

The forum, dubbed Asogli Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Day 2025, served as an annual flagship platform to promote innovation, mentorship, and investment opportunities for young people.

Participants benefited from keynote addresses by seasoned entrepreneurs, hands-on development sessions, and guidance on future grant applications.

Mr Nicodemus NB D. Dery, National Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, was a special guest at the forum.

He commended the Asogli initiative and pledged ongoing government support to scale the winning ventures nationwide.

“This collaboration sets a national example. These young entrepreneurs represent the productive future we must all support,” Mr Dery remarked.

The next phase of the programme will be a structured business incubation period, with the eight startups receiving technical guidance, operational support, and market exposure to strengthen their operations.

The Asogli State Council expressed deep appreciation to strategic partners—particularly @Life-MacAfrica—for their consistent backing of grassroots innovation and community development.

“This journey would not have been possible without our partners. We thank them for walking with us,” the Council noted in a statement.

All eight grant recipients were lauded for their boldness and dedication, with organisers urging them to use this opportunity as a launching pad to inspire others through enterprise and innovation.

“Let your success light the way for others still finding their path,” the Council advised.

With the 2025 forum concluded, preparations for the 2026 edition are already underway, with renewed calls for increased youth participation and broader collaboration across sectors.

As Togbe Afede XIV emphasised, “Let us invest in the youth—they are the architects of the prosperous Asogli we seek to build together.”

The eight winners included:

Ernest Selase Klutse – Ernest Reality (1st Place)

Semanu Adoboe – HomePack Medical Services (2nd Place)

Osman Kadri – Premium Biofert Limited (3rd Place)

Cynthia Gadzanku – CM Beauty Bar

Alber Kpeglo – Natures Novelties

Maureen Fafali Mensah – Global Farms Limited

Rejoice Banibensu – Cobbshow Creativity Ventures

Arnold Adjei – Arns Foods Limited

The total award package of GH¢260,000 will be disbursed to support the development and scaling of their enterprises.