The 2027 Budget has outlined a range of employment opportunities for young Ghanaians, including plans to train and certify delivery riders and commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders.

The initiatives form part of the government’s broader youth employment agenda, which also includes plans by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to create opportunities for 100,000 young people.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced major allocations for youth employment, skills development and National Service Personnel.

GH¢2 Billion for Youth Employment

The government has allocated GH¢3.5 billion to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment for the 2027 financial year.

Out of this amount, GH¢2 billion will support youth employment and skills development programmes.

The allocation is expected to support initiatives that equip young people with practical skills and connect them to employment opportunities.

The government also plans to amend the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947), to remove the funding cap on youth employment programmes.

According to Dr Forson, the proposed amendment will free up an additional GH¢1 billion for youth employment and apprenticeship programmes through revenue from the Communications Service Tax.

Government also intends to amend and modernise the Youth Employment Act to harmonise the various youth employment programmes.

Delivery and Okada Riders to Receive Training

One of the employment initiatives expected to attract attention is the planned training and certification of delivery riders and okada operators.

The programme is intended to improve skills and professional standards in delivery, logistics and commercial motorcycle services.

It forms part of wider efforts to create organised employment opportunities for young people in sectors where demand for transport and delivery services continues to grow.

The Youth Employment Agency has also identified delivery and logistics as one of its priority areas for expanding employment opportunities in 2027.

GH¢1 Billion for National Service Allowances

National Service Personnel are also expected to benefit from the government’s 2027 spending plans.

The Finance Minister announced that GH¢1 billion has been allocated for the payment of allowances to National Service Personnel across the country.

The amount forms part of the GH¢3.5 billion allocated to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment.

The ministry’s allocation also includes GH¢170 million for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme and GH¢200 million for the National Youth Authority.

More Than US$1 Billion Savings to Fund Accra Orbital Expressway

Beyond youth employment, the Finance Minister announced plans to use estimated savings from the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project to construct the proposed Accra Orbital Expressway.

Dr Forson said the revised construction estimate for the 198.7-kilometre, six-lane Accra–Kumasi Expressway stands at US$2.98 billion, more than US$1 billion below the initial estimate of approximately US$4 billion.

He explained that the savings would be sufficient to finance the Accra Orbital Expressway.

The government has already begun feasibility studies, engineering designs, costing and environmental and social assessments for the proposed orbital road.

Dr Forson also disclosed that the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project account at the Bank of Ghana held US$2.2 billion and GH¢9 billion as of November 11, 2026, with the combined amount equivalent to approximately US$3 billion.

He said the government intends to finance the expressway through petroleum revenues and mineral royalties without resorting to borrowing.

What the Budget Means for Young Job Hunters

The 2027 Budget places youth employment and skills development among its key priorities.

From delivery and logistics to apprenticeship programmes and entrepreneurship support, the government has outlined several initiatives aimed at connecting young Ghanaians to work opportunities.

However, the success of these commitments will depend on implementation, recruitment processes and the number of young people who eventually secure jobs.

For job seekers, the next important development will be details on application procedures, eligibility requirements, training locations and when recruitment will begin.

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