Innovators Up engages Western Regional Minister on youth empowerment initiatives

In a bid to foster collaboration for youth development and innovation, Innovators Up, an organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment through grassroots innovation, has engaged with the newly appointed Western Regional Minister, Mr Joshua Nelson.

The courtesy call, which took place at the Western Regional Coordinating Council, focused on exploring opportunities for partnership to drive socio-economic development in the region.

The Innovators Up delegation, led by Director of Programmes, Mr Benjamin Agyin Turkson, was facilitated by Mr Amponsah Edwin, Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA). The meeting was warmly received by the minister and his team, setting the stage for meaningful discussions on youth entrepreneurship, skill development, and innovation support.

Speaking on behalf of Innovators Up, Business Development Manager, Mr Richmond Anane-Simon, congratulated Mr Nelson on his appointment and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering young innovators. He highlighted their efforts in providing access to markets, funding, mentorship, and co-working spaces to enhance entrepreneurial ventures among young people.

Mr Turkson elaborated on the organisation’s impact, citing its partnership with the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, which has successfully empowered over 30 young innovators in the Western Region. He explained that through the programme, participants have developed minimum viable products (MVPs), tested them in the market, and validated their business ideas through real-time feedback.

Additionally, Mr Turkson unveiled upcoming skill development programmes focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and software development, designed to equip the youth with industry-relevant skills that will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Responding to the discussions, Joshua Nelson acknowledged the urgent need to tackle youth unemployment, describing it as a critical challenge requiring immediate and innovative solutions. He welcomed the collaboration with Innovators Up and stressed the importance of aligning all youth development initiatives under a common framework to maximise impact.

“We must ensure that all institutions working on youth development collaborate effectively to create lasting opportunities for the young people in the Western Region,” he stated.

The minister commended Innovators Up for its dedication to fostering innovation and youth empowerment, assuring the organisation of his full support in facilitating policies and programmes that promote sustainable youth livelihoods.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to further engagements to advance youth development and innovation in the region.