Global Communities Ghana Hosts National Youth in Construction Summit

Global Communities Ghana Hosts National Youth in Construction Summit

Two days ago, Global Communities Ghana hosted the National Youth in Construction Summit as part of YIEDIE (Youth Inclusive Entrepreneurial Development Initiative for Employment). The Summit brought together stakeholders from the government, private sector, NGOs, academia and media to discuss how to promote economic opportunities for youth in the construction sector: workforce development, employment, entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships.

The Minister of State for Private Sector Development and Public Private Partnership Dr. Rashid Pelpuo gave the keynote address, describing the importance for youth development and upcoming opportunities in Ghana’s infrastructure development plan that can pave the way for promoting Ghanaian firms.

YIEDIE youth also had the opportunity to address the crowd to show their eagerness to work in the sector. Their message was a request to work together; youth will enroll in training programs or open small businesses if they feel assured that they can get jobs afterward.

11 young YIEDIE entrepreneurs participated in a business pitch competition that was adjudicated by a panel of judges. As their peers watched, each participant briefly outlined their business plans, answered questions and received mentoring advice from the panel. Mr. Manaf Suleman Cheiba, a painter and aspiring interior designer, officially won the competition and was celebrated by more than 300 Summit attendees to close the day.
YIEDIE is creating economic opportunities for youth ages 17-24 in Ghana’s construction sector by training young women and men in technical construction skills and helping youth to grow and start small businesses. It is increasing collaboration and support amongst construction sector stakeholders to improve their enabling environment.