President John Dramani Mahama has called on young people to prioritise discipline, skills development and leadership as Ghana positions itself for economic transformation.
Delivering an address at the Gold Award and Special Honours Presentation Ceremony of the Head of State’s Award Scheme, the President said the event was not merely about recognition but about shaping a generation committed to excellence.
“Tonight is not just about medals and certificates. It is about recognising discipline, resilience, leadership and service. It is about celebrating a generation that is choosing excellence over mediocrity, and purpose over convenience,” he stated.
He described the theme for this year’s ceremony, “Equip, Empower, Excel: Building Brighter Futures Through Opportunities,” as a reflection of a national agenda focused on inclusion and productivity.
“This theme is more than a slogan. It is a national mandate. It reflects a clear direction anchored on opportunity, inclusion and productivity,” he emphasised.
President Mahama stressed that nation-building goes beyond academic qualifications, highlighting the importance of character and values.
“Certificates alone do not build nations character does. While formal education provides knowledge, it is non-formal platforms like the Head of State’s Award Scheme that develop leadership, discipline, resilience and empathy,” he said.
He noted that such programmes play a critical role in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.
“This is where young people learn that leadership is service and that nation-building begins with personal responsibility.
Programmes like this are not extracurricular they are essential.”
Touching on the changing global economy, the President underscored the need for skills and innovation over traditional qualifications.
“Degrees alone are no longer enough. Skills, adaptability and innovation now define success,” he said, adding that government policy is focused on equipping young people to create value rather than only seek jobs.
He outlined three key pillars of government’s youth development strategy: skills for productivity through expanded technical and vocational education, digital capability, and values-driven leadership.
“If education is the key to success, then skills are the engine of economic transformation,” he remarked.
President Mahama also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment, including the 24-hour economy policy.
“At the centre of this transformation is the 24-hour economy initiative a structural reform to expand productivity, extend working hours and unlock jobs at scale,” he explained.
He further announced flagship programmes such as the Adwumawura initiative, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the One Million Coders initiative, all designed to equip young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
“This is not rhetoric; it is policy in action,” he stressed.
The President revealed that government is also implementing measures to improve access to higher education, including a new academic fee policy for first-year students.
He added that institutional reforms are underway, including the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to streamline youth-focused policies.
President Mahama emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in creating sustainable employment.
“Sustainable youth employment will not depend on government alone. It requires a strong partnership between the state and the private sector,” he noted.
Reaffirming his commitment to youth development, he announced plans to complete the Ghana Awards House with support from the GETFund.
“This facility will stand as a lasting investment in our young people,” he said.
Congratulating the award recipients, the President urged them to embrace their role as future leaders.
“You now carry a responsibility to lead with integrity, to serve with humility, to innovate with courage, and to build not just careers, but communities.”
He concluded with a call to action for all young people in Ghana.
“The future will not be handed to you. You must build it. Ghana needs innovators, builders and problem-solvers.”
“The future of Ghana will be determined not by what we say, but by what we invest in. Today, we are investing in our most valuable resource our young people.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
