The CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Margaret Ansei, has urged young Ghanaians to embrace innovation, make responsible choices, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures that create lasting impact for the nation.

Speaking at the agency’s commemoration of International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, Ms. Ansei described the youth as “the heartbeat of our nation’s progress today,” highlighting their central role in building a sustainable and inclusive future.

“Ghana’s youth are not just the future; they are the heartbeat of our nation’s progress today. Their innovation and determination inspire us all, but challenges like drug abuse can dim their bright potential and hinder our collective growth,” she said.

“On this IYD, we encourage young Ghanaians to make positive choices, hone their skills, and pursue ventures that create sustainable impact. Together, we can build a Ghana where every young person thrives.”

This year’s International Youth Day is being marked under GEA’s localised theme, “Voice to Impact: Youth Building Sustainable and Inclusive Futures”, which calls for equipping young people with the skills, mentorship, and platforms to turn ideas into meaningful change.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, GEA has launched a month-long nationwide campaign featuring exhibitions, entrepreneurship seminars, and mentorship sessions.

These initiatives aim to equip youth with practical business skills, encourage innovation, and foster networking with industry leaders.

Ms. Ansei reaffirmed GEA’s vision of nurturing confident, skilled, and risk-taking young entrepreneurs. “Through sustained investment in youth entrepreneurship, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient economy,” she noted.

The activities form part of GEA’s broader youth empowerment agenda, driven by flagship programmes such as the Business in a Box (BizBox) Project, the Kaizen Expansion Project, the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, and the Ghana Economic Transformation Project.

GEA reiterated its commitment to supporting youth-led businesses through training, mentorship, and resources, while urging government, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for young innovators to thrive.