Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo has nominated the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga to represent him at the 2025 edition of the Accelerate Africa’s Growth Conference (AAGC), scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May at the CEDI Conference Centre, Accra.
In a letter dated 22nd May, 2025, the Youth Development and Empowerment Ministry confirmed the Minister’s unavailability and Mr. Ayariga’s appointment as his official representative.
“We bring you warm compliments from the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. The Hon. Minister has nominated you to represent him at the Accelerate Africa’s Growth Conference,” the statement read.
The Accelerate Africa’s Growth Conference (AAGC) is a Pan-African platform that brings together multisectoral engagement to address challenges and opportunities for women, youth and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to develop practical solutions and outcomes that, when implemented, will unlock their potential and economically empower them through productive and meaningful livelihoods, while strategically positioning them as drivers of national development. The Annual Conference is held on a rotational basis in different African countries and is powered by the Pan-African organisation Timeless Women of Wonder-Africa.
This year’s event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, with 80 per cent being Ghanaians. Delegates will include regional leaders, policymakers and innovators working toward inclusive economic growth and social progress.
Conference organisers commended Hon. Opare Addo’s contributions to youth development, stating, “Your remarkable achievement in youth development and mobilisation is timely to position Ghana on the track of prosperity.”
The AAGC is known for generating tangible results. Previous editions have directly influenced policy in key economic sectors, thereby creating more enabling environments for youth, women and SMEs. Among its standout initiatives is the “Unveiling Her Star” (UHS) programme, which has “trained and integrated over 35,000 women into the construction industry,” thereby expanding their economic prospects.
Youth empowerment is also a central pillar. Through the Timeless Champions of Change (TCC) programme, AAGC has supported the creation of “a movement of youth leaders and entrepreneurs.” Additionally, a Pan-African leadership and mentorship programme has been instituted to “produce value-driven leaders, problem solvers, and wealth creators.”
The conference has previously convened heads of state, policymakers and business leaders such as H.E. Lazarus Chakwera (President of Malawi), H.E. Jewel Taylor (Vice President of Liberia) and H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde (President of Ethiopia).
For the 2025 edition, several high-level engagements have been scheduled. These include a courtesy call on the convener of AAG 2025, H.E. Nyakan June and her team to formally invite him to deliver the keynote address on 26 May. Additional meetings are planned with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as well as ministers responsible for Gender, Children and Social Protection and for Trade and Industry. These engagements are designed to align national policies with the goals of AAGC and explore areas of collaboration.
Organisers highlighted the conference’s alignment with the strategic objectives of Ghana’s Ministry of Youth. They noted that AAGC offers industry-relevant training in agribusiness, construction, finance and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and digital economic opportunities.
They organisers emphasised,“Empowering Ghanaian youth with skills to match labour market demands and drive productivity” remains a key objective. Youth Day and Skills Development workshops will further support this goal, along with the launch of initiatives in agriculture, the digital economy, the creative arts and sports.
On technology, AAGC promotes digital innovation and wealth creation by fostering partnerships that “support digital skills training for underserved youth,” and highlighting opportunities in fintech and access to global markets.
In addressing health and wellbeing, AAGC incorporates youth mental health into its agenda, “promoting healthy business environments and balanced leadership models” while partnering with organisations in health innovation and youth development.
The conference also fosters economic empowerment by linking young entrepreneurs to markets, mentorship and support programmes. These include “commitments towards internships and industry apprenticeship programmes,” and efforts to cultivate a “culture of savings and investments for the future.”
Civic participation is encouraged by including “youth voices in national development conversations” and promoting regional cooperation through diaspora and Pan-African initiatives.
Leadership and personal development are central to AAGC’s legacy. Organisers stated, “The Timeless Leadership Programme has trained youth and women across Africa,” positioning them as “problem-solvers and wealth creators, not just beneficiaries.”
To ensure the event’s success, organisers have proposed several avenues for partnership with the Ministry of Youth Devlopment and Empowerment. These include:
- Speaking engagements on all conference days
- General partnership and visibility, with “recognition in media engagements and official publications”
- Access to high-level, closed-door stakeholder engagements
- An open invitation to submit “proposals, initiatives, or contributions” that would enhance the success of the conference
With Osman Ayariga representing the Ministry, Ghana is set to play a pivotal role at the AAGC, reinforcing its commitment to empowering youth and supporting women-led enterprises.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
