His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday morning, officially launched the National Youth Achievers Award (NYAA), a national recognition platform designed to publicly honour exceptional youths between the ages of 15-30, who have excelled in various sectors, with the hope of preparing them for responsible leadership. With the institution of this award scheme, Ghana has become one of the over 100 countries in the world who are demonstrating their interest in the future of their country, by identifying and rewarding excellence and hard work, thereby encouraging their youths to make these values their holy grail.   The National Youth Achievers Awards (NYAA) is organized under the esteemed Patronage of the Vice President John Dramani Mahama. Nominations are open from now till July 27 and the award ceremony would be held on August 29. Award categories include:   Award for Agriculture : Award to a Ghanaian “youth or youth group” who/which has been actively engaged in Agriculture especially in the rural areas and is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of his community RLG Entrepreneurship   Development Award  : Awarded to a Ghanaian youth who has employed his entrepreneurial skills in undertaking a project that is benefiting Ghanaians or is likely to benefit the country now or in the near future. Award for Young Professionals : Award to a youth who is registered and regulated by his/her professional body and who by dint of hard work has been an icon for his contemporaries as a young professional and is a source of inspiration to the youth. Award for Science : Awarded to a Ghanaian Youth who has made a remarkable scientific discovery or undertaken a scientific research, analysis or experiment the result of which will benefit the Ghanaian Society and the world in general in the not too distant future Sports Award  : Awarded to a Ghanaian male and female youth who has achieved a remarkable and consistent feat in sports in Ghana or elsewhere and is a role model to his peers. Award for Arts  :Awarded to an individual or a creative group whose contribution to arts has won the attention of Ghana and the world Award for Leadership  : Awarded to a Ghanaian youth whose sterling achievements sets him apart from his peers and is consistent, selfless and worthy of Leadership. Award for Academic Excellence (JHS, SHS, TERTIARY) : Awarded to a Ghanaian youth who has distinguished him/herself over and above the average intellect in the educational field through his/her excellent academic achievements, consistent distinction in performance and is a role model for his peers. Literary Award : Awarded to a Ghanaian youth who has been involved in literary activities in his school or community by producing works that are likely to contribute to the rich store of a Ghanaian literary heritage.  RLG ICT Innovator Award: Awarded to an individual who has pioneered practical and cost-effective methodologies in information, Communication and Technology to contribute to the social and economic development of Ghana. Award for Youth Personality: Awarded to an outstanding youth whose sterling achievements ie. Morality, respect and environmental consciousness supersedes that expected of his peers and therefore sets him/her apart as a role model for recognition. Award for Business Excellence: Awarded to a youth who has made tremendous impact in the business industry by setting up a legally registered company and providing consistent service to the public while considering responsible environmental and social issues. Award for Culture: Awarded to a Ghanaian “Traditional Culture Youth Group” or individual whose activities have portrayed authentic Ghanaian culture and are worthy ambassadors of Ghana culture home and abroad. Award for Music: Awarded to a Ghanaian music group or individual whose activities have portrayed authentic Ghanaian music home and abroad. Award for Grassroots and Rural Community Development: Awarded to a youth/youth Group whose activities focus on the rural areas, identifying challenges confronting the youth in these areas and has found solutions to the challenges, thereby becoming an inspiration to other youth. Award for Financial Excellence: Awarded to a young Ghanaian youth whose ideas and efforts have contributed to the growth of the Ghanaian financial sector as in audit service, taxation, and support for acquisition of assets.   Special Award: This a special award presented to a physically challenged person who, despite his/her limitations, has achieved a remarkable feat.    ]]>