Vice President of the Republic and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced that the Digital Youth Hub currently under construction at the University of Ghana will be completed and unveiled in December 2024.
This initiative is part of Ghana’s broader effort to foster digital entrepreneurship and build a skilled youth workforce equipped for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The project, a collaboration between the University of Ghana, the Ministries of Finance (MoF), and Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), is the first of several technology hubs being established under the Ghana CARES programme.
Similar hubs are planned for Cape Coast, Kumasi, and Tamale, all aimed at supporting the country’s growing population of young technology entrepreneurs.
During an inspection of the construction works on October 8, 2024, Vice President Bawumia emphasized the importance of the hub in positioning Ghana as a regional skills leader in Africa. He stated,
"The Digital Youth Hub is part of a larger agenda for Ghana to build a digital economy that accelerates growth. Countries that embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution will experience significant economic growth, and we must ensure that Ghanaian youth have the skills to participate."
The University of Ghana hub, set to house a 2,200-seat auditorium, will serve as a critical space for collaboration and innovation among young entrepreneurs.
Dr. Bawumia noted that the hub would attract investors and provide direct support for startups, creating an ecosystem for sustainable technology-driven businesses.
In his remarks, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister for Finance, highlighted the potential impact of the hub on Ghana’s economy.
He outlined plans for a $5 million endowment fund to support the hub's operations and training programs, which aim to empower one million digital entrepreneurs.
"This hub will be the foundation for delivering on our promise to equip one million youth with digital skills," he said.
The project, which began construction in January 2024, is now 55% complete.
According to the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the first phase of the hub is expected to be operational by early December 2024.
The University of Ghana has allocated five acres for the facility, with an option to expand by another five acres for future hostel development.
Architects arc-AURA and contractors Mustek Engineering assured the Vice President that the project is on track, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the digitalization agenda and building a robust digital economy.
With the launch of the Digital Youth Hub, Ghana is taking a significant step toward preparing its young population for a future driven by technology and innovation.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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