The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, E4Impact Foundation, and the Catholic University of Milan, has officially launched Project INSPIRE — a bold initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape.
INSPIRE, an acronym for Implementing New Solutions for the Professional Integration of Human Resources in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Ghana, seeks to empower young people, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and align vocational training with labour market needs.
Spanning 36 months, the project is expected to create 1,620 direct jobs, improve educational outcomes for 700 young Ghanaians, and enhance the competitiveness of 570 local SMEs.
Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, described the initiative as a “transformative milestone” in Ghana’s entrepreneurship drive.
He announced that the project would lead to the establishment of an Italian Innovation Centre at UPSA, which will serve as a hub for Italian technologies, training, and SME development.
“This initiative opens doors for inclusive participation in entrepreneurship, especially for our youth,” Prof. Mawutor stated.
He urged the government to integrate INSPIRE into the national entrepreneurial development agenda to ensure sustainability and broader impact.
He further noted that the project would offer UPSA students practical training opportunities, international exposure, and access to innovative tools aligned with current job market demands.
The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Laura Ranalli, described the project as part of Italy’s broader commitment to youth development and sustainable entrepreneurship.
“INSPIRE brings together innovative approaches and international cooperation to foster entrepreneurial growth and inclusion,” the Ambassador said as she reaffirmed Italy’s continued partnership with Ghana in promoting inclusive development and youth empowerment.
Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, welcomed the project as both timely and consistent with the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills development.
He noted that INSPIRE complements existing government initiatives such as the One Million Decoders Programme and the Adwumawura Project, which aim to train over 10,000 young people.
“Today, I urge our youth to take advantage of these opportunities,” the minister said. “The future of Ghana rests on your shoulders.”
Madam Rejoice Danquah, Director for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Education, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Education, stressed the importance of equipping young people with relevant, market-ready skills.
“INSPIRE is not just an initiative. It is a commitment to equip our youth with the skills needed to bridge the gap between education and employment,” she said.
As part of its implementation, INSPIRE will also partner with eight TVET institutions across the country to provide students with modern tools, practical skills, and entrepreneurial training tailored to the needs of the current job market.
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development by empowering a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs ready to lead in an increasingly competitive global environment.
