General News of Sunday, 17 August 2014

Source: myradiogoldlive.com

YES initiative merits commendation - Dr. Clement Apaak

Presidential Staffer, Dr. Clement Apaak says President Mahama’s Youth Enterprise Support (YES) initiative is a laudable one, hence merits commendation.

According to him, the mental picture of the YES programme which is projected ‘to create jobs by the youth for the youth’ is very noteworthy… “Because, unlike other programmes or schemes that have come to pass, this is very specific in its nature and structure.”

“It is also very specific not only in the selection criteria and the parameters within which one can access it, but even the very foundation on which it is built,” he added.

Dr. Apaak’s comment came after President Mahama on Tuesday launched a Ghc10 million Youth Enterprise Support (YES) initiative in Accra.

The President at the programme entreated Ghanaian youth to exhibit their resourcefulness and skills in the provision of goods and services to move into the era of prosperity.

President Mahama also challenged the youth to be bold and confident in whatever ventures they were engaged in to harness prosperity for themselves and to create jobs for other youth in the country.

The YES initiative, which is in fulfillment of President Mahama's 2012 campaign promises is a flagship programme to assist young Ghanaians with creative and innovative business ideas and plans to achieve their full potential.

It is a multi-sectoral initiative operating under the office of the President and drawing collaborative support from key agencies including; National Board for Small Scale Industries, National Youth Authority, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Finance.

Speaking to Alhassan Suhuyini on Alhaji and Alhaji Saturday, Dr. Apaak reiterated that the funding is for only Ghanaian youth between the ages of 18 and 35 that have met certain stipulated requirement.

He believes the notable move by the President would in the near future transform the living conditions of every serious business oriented youth in the country.

“It’s going to be a youth-centered programme which is suppose to allow them(youth) to apply their entrepreneurial skills in a way that will not only allow them to generate employment for themselves thereby generating wealth for the nation, but also employing other youths," he said.

The Presidential Staffer further noted that the initiative was also designed to provide all beneficiaries with efficient Entrepreneurial preparation and mentorship that would propel their business to an elevated pedestal.