Sunyani: Entrepreneurship remains the pathway to job creation and building a resilient economy for poverty reduction, according to Dr Emmanuel Newman, the Director of Tertiary Education of the Ministry of Education. Dr Newman emphasized the need for expertise in the sector to change the mindset and equip unemployed young people with entrepreneurship skills, offering the necessary support to build and sustain their businesses.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Newman addressed the importance of entrepreneurship at the 17th congregation of the Sunyani Technical University (STU). He noted that employment in the formal sector was constrained and highlighted entrepreneurship as a transformative solution to combat unemployment and poverty. The event saw 1,012 graduates receiving certificates in various programmes, including Master of Technology (MTech), Higher National Diploma, and Diplomas.
Dr Newman stressed that for Ghana to remain competitive and drive inclusive growth, skills development in both technical and entrepreneurial domains must be prioritized. He underscored the need for academic programmes to integrate business development services, mentorship, access to finance, and entrepreneurial training to enhance graduates’ entrepreneurial capacities. He pointed out that the global labour market’s rapid transformation, driven by emerging technologies and shifting economic demands, necessitates new skill sets.
He highlighted the persistent mismatch between educational outcomes and market needs, leaving many young graduates unemployed or underemployed despite their potential. Dr Newman urged technical universities, particularly STU, to play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and producing professionals equipped with innovative solutions.
The government, Dr Newman stated, is committed to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through infrastructure investments, curriculum reforms, and capacity building. These efforts aim to produce graduates who are not only employable but also empowered to lead change in their communities and industries.
He cited programmes such as YouStart, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), and initiatives by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) as part of a comprehensive national effort to foster entrepreneurial talent and opportunities.
Professor Samuel Awuah-Nyamekye, Chairman of the Governing Council of STU, also called on technical universities to lead in advancing the practical application of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation. He emphasized the importance of these disciplines in driving the nation’s socio-economic transformation and urged graduates to be diligent and uphold high standards of professionalism and excellence in their careers.