The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Mustapha Ussif, has called for private sector sponsorship for the upcoming 13th African Games, scheduled for March 8-23, 2024.
The Minister, who made the call yesterday at the Absa Ready to Work Youth Forum in Accra, said an investment in the event will not only contribute to its success but also leave a legacy on the development of youth through sports.
The forum, organised by the Absa Bank in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, is an initiative that aims to equip young individuals with essential skills for a smooth transition from academia to the professional realm.
According to the Sports Minister, in Organising an event like the upcoming games, the support of the private sector was paramount.
“That is why I am extending a special call to the private sector, urging their active participation and sponsorship of the 13th African Games.”
He also urged the youth to actively participate in the games, bringing their skills, passion, and determination.
The 13th African Games, he said was a golden opportunity for young visionaries to showcase not only their athletic abilities but also their diverse expertise and trades.
“Let us make these games a platform for unity, collaboration and the showcasing of the incredible talent that Ghana’s youth embodies.”
Speaking on the theme ‘Empowering & Igniting Young Visionaries,’ the Minister expressed gratitude to Absa Bank for spearheading the youth development initiative in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation.
The Sports Minister outlined transformative policies such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Free Senior High School (Free SHS), YouStart, and the Youth in Agriculture programmes, designed to empower young visionaries across Ghana.
He urged the youth to actively engage in climate change issues, emphasising the importance of their innovative solutions in policy-making processes.
Mr Ussif underscored the critical role of the youth in shaping the nation’s trajectory, urging them to be fearless, bold, and unwavering in their pursuit of a better world.
The Minister urged participants to leverage the opportunities presented at the forum and become the visionaries shaping Ghana’s future.
Talent Acquisition Manager, Absa Bank, Prince Tettey Nartey, on his part stressed the significance of students actively pursuing internship opportunities to enhance their resumes, making them more appealing to employers as they enter the workforce.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
