‘Adwumawura’ For All Ghanaians, Not Only NDC Members – Eric Adjei

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr. Eric Adjei Esq., has stressed that the Adwumawura initiative introduced by President John Dramani Mahama’s government is a national development project for all Ghanaians, not just members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on UTV’s ‘MPU NE MPU’ show on October 24, 2025, Mr. Adjei dismissed claims that the initiative only favours NDC supporters. He said the programme was created to empower entrepreneurs and promote job creation across all political divides.

“The Adwumawura policy directs that we serve the interest of all Ghanaians. I am a party person, and I respect my party members, but I must do what is right. NPP members are also Ghanaians, and they deserve to be part of the Adwumawura initiative,” he stated.

According to Mr. Adjei, some individuals have complained that certain participants in NEIP training programmes were supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He, however, insisted that such complaints are baseless, emphasizing that the initiative will not discriminate based on political affiliation.

“The Adwumawura initiative is meant to help all Ghanaians, not just NDC supporters. If someone’s business proposal qualifies, why not support them?” he questioned.

Mr. Adjei added that the initiative forms part of the Mahama administration’s broader vision to create jobs, support entrepreneurship, and promote inclusiveness in governance. He said the NEIP is working to ensure that all qualified Ghanaians, regardless of their political backgrounds, benefit from government interventions.

He further explained that under his leadership, NEIP will maintain transparency by avoiding direct cash payments to beneficiaries. Instead, the programme will provide the necessary materials and resources to prevent misuse of funds.

“The NEIP will not hand out cash to people who come seeking financial assistance to invest in their businesses. I, Eric Adjei, will not allow that. Instead, we will buy the materials for them directly.

“Otherwise, some may outsmart us and misuse the money. Most of those who come for financial support end up wasting the funds instead of investing them in their supposed businesses.” he said.

Mr. Adjei concluded by calling on Ghanaians to support the government’s efforts to build a fair and inclusive economy. He noted that the Mahama-led administration remains committed to transparency, innovation, and equal opportunity for all citizens.

Partnership

He further revealed that, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) would be in partnership with the National Service Secretariat (NSS) to support university students who are already running their own businesses while in school.

Mr. Eric Adjei, said the initiative is aimed at helping young entrepreneurs sustain their businesses even after completing school.

“We have noticed that some university students start businesses on campus, but when they are posted for national service, their businesses collapse. After service, when they cannot find jobs, the problem worsens,” he said.

To solve this challenge, NEIP and NSS will begin with 1,000 students this year. These students will be given a special code to register for the program. Once approved, they will be posted to the NEIP for their national service, allowing them to continue managing their businesses.

“Their service will count as their national service, and the NSS will pay them. We want to create jobs, right? So why destroy what someone has already built?” Mr. Adjei explained.

He added that NEIP will also assign national service personnel to assist entrepreneurs who need extra support.

“If someone needs a helping hand, we will give them a national service person through NEIP, the NSS will pay them, not the entrepreneur. We must be innovative,” he said.

Mr. Adjei also revealed that NEIP is working on another project known as CREATE, which targets ethical content creation. The program, he said, is designed to train and support digital content creators across Ghana.

“Again, a program under NEIP called CREATE is already in progress. We want to complete the Adwumawura initiative first before giving it full focus. The CREATE program targets content creators and promotes ethical content creation. Some people insult and disrespect others online, but if they learn to do it ethically, it will be much better.

We have received over 2,000 applications already. In a week or two, we will start with the first 300 participants here in Accra before moving to other regions. After training, we will also provide some of the needed gadgets,” he said.

He added that the NEIP is collaborating with the Ghana Digital Centre to implement the training, emphasizing that the government is being intentional and innovative about job creation.