Takoradi: The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) and the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) have launched a project designed to equip students with entrepreneurial skills, aiming to drive economic development and industrial growth in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, named 'GNCCI Junior Chamber and the Centre for Business Development and Entrepreneurship (CBDE) Incubator of the TTU,' was unveiled on the TTU campus. The initiative, themed 'Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs,' seeks to train students, prepare them for business endeavors, and equip them with entrepreneurial skills through training programs, internships, incubator programs, and exhibitions of their works.
Mr. Stephane Miezan, President of the GNCCI, highlighted during the launch that the initiative represents a significant step in empowering Ghana's future entrepreneurs. He explained that the theme was chosen in response to the pressing unemployment challenges faced by young graduates. He cited a 2023 Labour Market Report by the Ghana Statistical Service, which revealed that 1.4 million young Ghanaians are unemployed, with about 22.3 percent being tertiary graduates.
The GNCCI President stressed the importance of bridging the gap between education and real-world entrepreneurship to foster socio-economic growth. He emphasized the necessity of creating platforms like the Junior Chamber and CBDE Incubator to guide and support young people in transforming their ideas into successful businesses.
Professor John F. Eshun, Vice Chancellor of TTU, acknowledged the rising youth unemployment rates, attributing part of the issue to traditional courses offered by tertiary institutions that often lack connections to the job market. He expressed gratitude to GNCCI for collaborating with the university, marking a transformative step toward equipping students with essential entrepreneurial skills and industry insights.
Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, in a speech read on his behalf, described the project as a transformative journey that aligns with the government's agenda to reset Ghana's economy and business landscape. He praised GNCCI for its vision and commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
