The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr. Osman Ayariga, Esq., has praised Yango Ghana for its growing role in transforming youth employment in the country, describing the company as “a functioning public–private development mechanism” rather than merely a transport platform.
Speaking at the 2025 Yango Partner Conference, Mr. Osman Ayariga commended the ride-hailing and delivery service for creating opportunities that align with Ghana’s national youth development agenda. The event brought together Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Yango Ghana Country Manager Emmanuel Koduah, government representatives, partners, riders, drivers, and stakeholders from across the digital mobility ecosystem.
A New Phase in Youth Economic Activation
Reaffirming the mandate of the NYA under Act 939, Mr. Osman Ayariga, Esq., noted that 2025 has been declared a year of “Heightened Youth Engagement and Economic Activation.” He highlighted major initiatives—including the nationwide Youth Conference themed “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change” and the National Apprenticeship Programme targeting 10,000 young people this year and scaling up to 100,000 by 2026.
“These are not symbolic actions,” he emphasized. “We are building structural solutions to unemployment through technical, digital, and entrepreneurial training.”
Yango’s Model Seen as Blueprint for Job Creation
Positioning Yango as a central player in youth economic empowerment, Mr. Osman Ayariga outlined three pillars behind the platform’s effectiveness:
• Technology & Access: Digitization of transport and courier services previously dominated by the informal sector.
• Local Enterprise Growth: Strengthening MSMEs operating in transport and logistics.
• Youth Employment: With over 70% of riders and drivers under age 35, Yango has become a gateway to income, financial identity, discipline, and business skills.
“For many young people, Yango is a classroom on wheels,” he said. “It teaches time management, customer service, accountability, and entrepreneurship.”
Government Policy Alignment on Transport & Digital Economy
Mr. Osman Ayariga, Esq., reiterated government’s commitment to modernizing the transport sector, especially the commercial motorcycle and tricycle industry. He confirmed that the state is finalizing a regulatory framework to legalize and formalize okada and pragyia operations.
The policy will require riders to be at least 21 years old, acquire commercial licenses, undergo mandatory training, operate from designated stations, and meet strict safety requirements including certified helmets with identification numbers.
He noted that beyond transportation, Yango’s delivery services now support Ghana’s expanding e-commerce sector, enabling restaurants, online sellers, and small businesses—many youth-led—to scale operations.
From Riders to Owners: NYA’s Vision
The NYA CEO emphasized that government’s goal extends beyond job creation and aims to build youth-owned enterprises.
“We don’t want young people to remain riders forever,” Mr. Osman Ayariga said. “We want them to own fleets, build courier companies, and grow logistics businesses. Yango’s top-performing partners already demonstrate that this pathway is possible.”
A Call for Deeper Collaboration
To advance this shared mission, Mr. Osman Ayariga, Esq., announced the Authority’s readiness to collaborate with Yango on:
• Advanced rider and driver training
• Entrepreneurship and financial literacy
• Access to credit and asset financing for high-potential partners
“Our mission is simple,” he stated. “Every hardworking young Ghanaian deserves a pathway to dignity, stability, and long-term economic growth.”
Closing: A Shared Vision for Ghana’s Future
He concluded by commending Yango’s leadership and encouraging the platform’s riders, drivers, and partners to remain dedicated to building Ghana’s digital future.
“You are not just transporting people and parcels—you are carrying this nation into its digital future,” Mr. Osman Ayariga, Esq., said.
“May God bless your efforts. May God bless Yango. And may God bless the youth and Republic of Ghana.”
