Obuasi: Job hunting has been a daunting task for new graduates from various tertiary educational institutions in Ghana with limited opportunities on the job market for young people.
According to Ghana News Agency, a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) reveals that approximately 107,263 students graduate from various tertiary institutions each year in Ghana. Moreover, the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) indicates that only 10 per cent of these graduates secure employment within a year of graduation.
To prepare students for the realities of the job market and ensure a successful career post-graduation, AngloGold Ashanti has organised a business empowerment seminar for the Obuasi campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This seminar, held in collaboration with the KNUST Business School, was aimed at equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive after school.
The event featured successful and experienced entrepreneurs who coached participants on positioning themselves as successful business owners after leaving school. Mr. Kelvin Ofori Atta, the Economic Development Officer at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, expressed that the seminar aimed to provide students with a holistic education to prepare them for real-world challenges and opportunities. He highlighted that many students face barriers such as limited access to resources, networks, and mentorship, which the seminar sought to address by offering practical skills, networking opportunities, and mentorship.
Nana Afia Agyeiwaa Boakye Tsikata, CEO of Bacnof School, was one of the resource persons at the seminar. She discussed the importance of having a vision inspired by environmental challenges and emphasized discipline as a key driver for success. She remarked on the importance of punctuality and professionalism in entrepreneurial endeavors.
Ms. Marian Gifty Mensah, a Fashion Designer, stressed the significance of patience in entrepreneurship, advising participants to embrace patience amidst setbacks, failures, and disappointments. Mr. Edward Kwasi Akuoko, CEO of Muffin Group of Companies, underlined credibility as the foundation of successful businesses, essential for maintaining relationships with customers, investors, partners, and employees.
Mr. Godisking Ameyaw, President of KNUST Business School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the students to AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for the insightful and informative seminar, which provided valuable insights into entrepreneurship.