The Youth and Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah, has heaped praises on the management of the National Youth Authority for reviving a state institution deemed critical for youth development.

Isaac Asiamah who was the Minority Spokesperson for Youth and Sports while in opposition, observed that in years past, the National Youth Authority had been dormant until a change in leadership in February 2017.

"For sometime now, the youth aspect of our Ministry was silent. It was dead, virtually dead.

"But now it has become all visible and attractive through the instrumentality of this gentleman Asigri and his able lieutenants," he said at an entrepreneurship summit organised by the Authority.

Photo: Deputy CEO in charge of Finance Richard Obeng, CEO Emmanuel Asigri and Dep. CEO in charge of programmes Bright Acheampong

The one-day event held at the Accra Digital Center last Friday, saw 250 young entrepreneurs interact with the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who was the keynote speaker.

The Youth and Sports minister said the event was the second organised by the NYA barely a month after launched a national digital training program for 3,000 youths.

The selected youths across the 10 regions are expected to be hired by ECOBANK which signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Youth Authority.

"I am proud of this gentleman Emmanuel Asigri for his enterprise, innovation, and creativity," the Youth and Sports Minister lauded the new management.

At last week Friday's event, young entrepreneurs were assembled to meet key government CEOs to discuss their challenges and gain business insights.

The panel was composed of top government officials including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese Mimi Darko; Registrar General, Mrs. Jemima Oware and Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emmanuel Kofi Nti.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Exports Promotion Authority Eric Amoako Twum was also present to offer insights and opportunities for the young entrepreneurs interested in venturing into international markets.

The Sports Minister also praised young entrepreneurs describing them as "doers" who are key to the government's vision of a "Ghana beyond aid".

He said entrepreneurs are creative players who have "seen something in their mind and are pressing every button and rallying resources to manifest in the physical what is mental".