The CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has praised Yango Ghana for its growing role in transforming youth employment in the country.

He described the company as “a functioning public–private development mechanism” rather than merely a transport platform.

Speaking at the 2025 Yango Partner Conference, Mr Osman Ayariga commended the ride-hailing and delivery service for creating opportunities that align with Ghana’s national youth development agenda.

The event brought together Ningo-Prampram MP, Samuel Nartey George, Yango Ghana Country Manager Emmanuel Koduah, government representatives, partners, riders, drivers, and stakeholders from across the digital mobility ecosystem.

Reaffirming the mandate of the NYA under Act 939, Mr Osman Ayariga noted that 2025 has been declared a year of “Heightened Youth Engagement and Economic Activation.”

He highlighted major initiatives—including the nationwide Youth Conference themed “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change” and the National Apprenticeship Programme targeting 10,000 young people this year and scaling up to 100,000 by 2026.

“These are not symbolic actions,” he emphasised. “We are building structural solutions to unemployment through technical, digital, and entrepreneurial training.”

Positioning Yango as a central player in youth economic empowerment, Mr Osman Ayariga outlined three pillars behind the platform’s effectiveness:

• Technology & Access: Digitisation of transport and courier services previously dominated by the informal sector.
• Local Enterprise Growth: Strengthening MSMEs operating in transport and logistics.
• Youth Employment: With over 70% of riders and drivers under age 35, Yango has become a gateway to income, financial identity, discipline, and business skills.

“For many young people, Yango is a classroom on wheels,” he said. “It teaches time management, customer service, accountability, and entrepreneurship.”

Mr Osman Ayariga reiterated government’s commitment to modernising the transport sector, especially the commercial motorcycle and tricycle industry.

He confirmed that the state is finalising a regulatory framework to legalise and formalise okada and pragyia operations.

The policy will require riders to be at least 21 years old, acquire commercial licenses, undergo mandatory training, operate from designated stations, and meet strict safety requirements, including certified helmets with identification numbers.

He noted that beyond transportation, Yango’s delivery services now support Ghana’s expanding e-commerce sector, enabling restaurants, online sellers, and small businesses—many youth-led—to scale operations.

The NYA CEO emphasised that government’s goal extends beyond job creation and aims to build youth-owned enterprises.

“We don’t want young people to remain riders forever,” Mr Osman Ayariga said.

“We want them to own fleets, build courier companies, and grow logistics businesses. Yango’s top-performing partners already demonstrate that this pathway is possible.”

To advance this shared mission, Mr. Osman Ayariga, announced the Authority’s readiness to collaborate with Yango on Advanced rider and driver training, Entrepreneurship and financial literacy and Access to credit and asset financing for high-potential partners.

“Our mission is simple,” he stated. “Every hardworking young Ghanaian deserves a pathway to dignity, stability, and long-term economic growth.”

He concluded by commending Yango’s leadership and encouraging the platform’s riders, drivers, and partners to remain dedicated to building Ghana’s digital future.

“You are not just transporting people and parcels—you are carrying this nation into its digital future,” Mr Osman Ayariga said.

“May God bless your efforts. May God bless Yango. And may God bless the youth and the Republic of Ghana.”