Cape Coast: The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has announced a plan to establish 'Junior Chambers' at various tertiary institutions across the country. This initiative aims to engage students early in their academic careers, fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development skills among young people.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Junior Chamber model includes programs that recognize outstanding young leaders, encourage entrepreneurial spirit, and equip members with skills to implement impactful community projects. Students will have access to mentorship awards and international networking, broadening their horizons and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Madam Benedicta Anita Mensah, Central Regional Manager of GNCCI, disclosed this at the opening of the Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) Career Fair 2025.
Held under the theme: 'Tech for tomorrow: Innovative and sustainable careers in the digital age,' students were taken through CV reviews, mock interviews, exhibitions, and interactive sessions. Madam Mensah said the intervention marked a significant step towards integrating youth development with national economic and social objectives, leveraging the power of organized skilled youth to drive progress from the grassroots level.
For the institutions, Madam Mensah said it will enhance engagement and reputation by producing socially responsible graduates with practical leadership experience. For industries, it provides a pipeline of skilled, motivated young professionals ready to contribute innovatively to economic development. She said nationally, the initiative supported sustainable growth by cultivating a generation of proactive citizens committed to positive change in their communities and the country at large.
Prof Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, the Vice Chancellor of CCTU, said that the Career Fair was an integral part of the institution's initiative to designate 2025 as the 'Year of the Student.' This designation reflects the university management's unwavering commitment to enhancing the overall campus experience and ensuring that students receive the best possible support throughout their academic journey.
'We are deeply committed to providing our students with a world-class education and comprehensive training,' the Vice Chancellor said. 'Our goal is to guarantee a high-quality education that equips every student with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.'
To achieve this, he said the university was actively investing in multiple areas, including the modernization of classrooms, enhancement of teaching methodologies, and the enrichment of learning experience. Significant resources were also being allocated toward procuring advanced teaching and learning materials, upgrading ICT infrastructure, and developing both academic facilities and student hostels.
Highlighting the critical role of technology in today's job market, the Vice Chancellor underscored how technological proficiency had become a vital asset for graduates. He said students should actively participate in career empowerment opportunities like the Career Fair, internships, and workshops, since these experiences were invaluable for personal and professional development. 'Taking full advantage of these opportunities will not only build your skills but also expand your networks and increase your employability,' he added.
