NYA CEO Urges Youth to Build Strong Networks

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq. has called on young Ghanaians to embrace networking and collaboration as key tools for personal and professional growth. He made this call while addressing participants at the Nimdie Series organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Accra.

In his remarks, Mr. Ayariga encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the platform to connect, share ideas, and build “good relationships” that can lead to long-term opportunities. “Your network is as good as your net worth,” he reminded the audience, urging young people to “start small, think big, and move into greatness.” He challenged participants not to remain within their comfort zones but to stay aligned with global trends and innovations.

Mr. Ayariga commended Dr. Edward Ampratwum and the UNDP team for their continued support of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana. He highlighted the impactful collaboration between NYA and UNDP in the previous year, which built the capacity of 433 small-scale businesses and created avenues for youth exposure to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“On behalf of the youth of Ghana, we say thank you to the UNDP and all supporting partners. Like Oliver Twist, we are grateful—but we will always ask for more,” Mr. Ayariga said, ending his speech on a hopeful and light-hearted note.

In his address, Dr. Edward Ampratwum,

Head - Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance Cluster UNDP Ghana, reaffirmed the critical role of MSMEs in Ghana’s economy, noting that they account for over 90% of businesses and provide more than 70% of employment. He emphasized that through creativity and innovation, the sector continues to drive economic growth, with the UNDP committed to supporting its advancement.