From Apprentice to Entrepreneur: Desmond’s Journey in Ghana

Sub-Saharan Africa has the world’s youngest population, with more than 41% living in poverty (Fox, Louise and Dhruv Gandhi). In Ghana, 12% of the youth are unemployed and over 50% are underemployed; entrepreneurship can be the difference between a life of hardship and a path forward (World Bank).

Through the Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP), Opportunity International’s partner Sinapi Aba Trust has helped 3,381 young people build that path by equipping them with vocational training, business skills, mentorship, financial support, and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.

For Desmond, it changed everything.

Desmond's Story

"There is always light at the end of the tunnel,” and Desmond’s journey is a true reflection of this. A young entrepreneur in the Ashanti Region in southern-central Ghana, Desmond entered the world with a disability and grew up as an only child. His early years were marked by deep loss: he lost his father at age seven, and three years later, his mother too. Orphaned at just ten years old, Desmond faced an uphill battle.

Hope came through family. His grandmother took him in, raising him with the support of relatives despite severe financial struggles.

Through determination and the kindness of others, Desmond completed junior high school and graduated from senior high school in 2017. He dreamed of becoming a sound engineer, but his grandmother’s small sachet water business could only sustain their basic needs, leaving him uncertain about his future.

His turning point came unexpectedly after church one Sunday. A compassionate woman listened to his story and referred him to Sinapi Aba Trust. Through her help, Desmond was enrolled in YAP to train in tailoring, joining in 2019 and completing his apprenticeship in 2022.

In October 2025, Desmond took a bold step and established his own tailoring business. Today, he stands proud and independent.

I am now able to take care of myself and support my grandmother financially. I no longer have to depend on others.”

Desmond remains deeply thankful to Sinapi Aba Trust and its partners for the opportunity to rebuild his life. He describes the YAP as a life-changing experience that restored his hope and dignity. Above all, he thanks God for the strength and resilience that carried him from hardship to a future filled with purpose and promise.

Investing in the Next Generation

Desmond's story is one of thousands made possible by investing in young entrepreneurs. YAP participants see their income rise by an average of 84.5%, with over 51% earning above the national average. And with 80% of the world’s youth living in Africa, the need to expand this kind of opportunity has never been more urgent (Opportunity International).

Donors help make stories like Desmond’s possible. Your support provides young people with the training, mentorship, and capital they need to start businesses, earn an income, and build a path out of poverty.

One opportunity can change everything. Help young entrepreneurs turn their potential into lasting opportunity at opportunity.org/donate.

Fox, Louise, and Dhruv Gandhi. 2021. Youth Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa: Progress and Prospects. Africa Growth Initiative, Brookings Institution.