Mr. Owusu Nkrumah Ababio has been given the mandate to chair the newly appointed governing board of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), following their appointment by President John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the Council of State.
With his dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur, a deep understanding of the Ghanaian business ecosystem and a strong passion for youth development and innovation, Mr. Owusu would be supported by eight (8) other members.
They are namely; CEO of NEIP, Mr. Eric Adjei, Dr. Crispin Wienna, Elizabeth Ofosu Mensah, Hon. Dickson Kyere-Duah (MP), Ewurabena Aubynn, Dr. Beatrice Tsotso Adom, Katherine Oduro and Abraham Kotei Neequaye.
They are to bring their in-depth understanding and knowledge ideas to help transform NEIP to foster entrepreneurship and spur economic growth by supporting startups and small businesses.
Here’s a deeper look into their various duties at NEIP: 1. Objective and Vision: The board primary objective is to create a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurship that supports start-ups and small businesses, driving them towards success and sustainability.
This is part of a broader vision to consolidate Ghana’s middle-income status by building an industry-driven economy that can provide sustainable and decent jobs.
- Key Initiatives Presidential Business Support Programme: They are to offer business development support to entrepreneurs. It includes training, funding, and mentorship to help businesses scale and become competitive both locally and internationally (NEIP Ghana). Greenhouse Initiative: Focused on agriculture, this project involves the largest greenhouse estate in West Africa, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability (NEIP Ghana).
Hubs Acceleration Grant Programme (HAGP): Targets the enhancement of entrepreneurship and innovation hubs by providing grants of up to $200,000. This support helps hubs elevate the quality of their services to international standards and assists in their efforts to develop the private enterprise ecosystem (NEIP Ghana) (The Business & Financial Times).
- Sector Focus: Place a significant emphasis on non-resource-based sectors to diversify Ghana’s economy away from traditional resource dependencies. This includes technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. The programme supports initiatives like smart farming and agro-processing under its “Youth in Innovative Agriculture Support” to increase productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
- Inclusion and Support: They are to encourage the participation of diverse groups including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. It aims to leverage the untapped potential within these demographics to fuel entrepreneurial ventures and innovation (The Business & Financial Times). 5. Monitoring and Impact To ensure the effectiveness of its initiatives, NEIP undertakes rigorous monitoring and evaluation. This involves tracking the progress of funded projects and assessing their impact on the economy and job creation. This continuous assessment helps in refining the programmes and ensuring that the funds are used effectively to achieve the intended outcomes. The NEIP serves as a critical tool in Ghana’s strategy to nurture an entrepreneurial culture, enhance business capabilities, and stimulate economic development.
About Mr. Owusu Nkrumah Ababio
The new Board of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) is chaired by Mr. Owusu Nkrumah Ababio, a dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the Ghanaian business ecosystem and a strong passion for youth development and innovation.
Currently serving as a Social Responsibility Specialist at Newmon Shana, Mr. Ababio brings to NEIP a wealth of experience in management, entrepreneurship, start-up incubation, and strategic mentorship.
In his role at Newmont, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in sustainability and local content development. Working closely with the supply chain section, he has been instrumental in developing, nurturing, and promoting local businesses, many of which now provide a variety of services to both Newmont Ahafo and the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF).
Mr. Ababio has championed the implementation of the Minerals Commissions Local Content Guidelines at Newmont, facilitating the participation of local stakeholders, especially the youth, in mining-related business opportunities.
This has significantly boosted local economic activity, fostered inclusive development, and created employment across the Ahato region.
A Certified Project Manager, he holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, a BSc in Business Management, and an MBA in Human Resource Management. His diverse academic and professional background gives him a 360-degree perspective on business creation, structure, scalability, and sustainability
Beyond business, Mr. Ababio has a strong foundation in youth leadership and political engagement, contributing actively to both civic and community development. He currently serves as the Parish President of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ntotroso, reflecting his deep commitment to faith and service.
He is married to Mrs. Amankona Diawuo Juliet, and they are blessed with three children. Mr. Ababio’s leadership at NEIP is expected to drive innovation, empower young entrepreneurs, and support inclusive national growth through entrepreneurship.
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