Accra: Professor Franklyn Manu, Board Chairman of MTN Ghana Foundation, has advocated the promotion of entrepreneurship among the youth as part of efforts to address the challenges of youth unemployment. He made the call in Accra during the MTN Ghana's 'Bright Conversations', a series of discussions and events, initiated to celebrate distinguished personalities and their contributions to Ghanaian society.
According to Ghana News Agency, MTN encourages entrepreneurship among Ghanaian youth through initiatives like the Enterprise Support Programme, which provides funding and training to SMEs, and by partnering on youth summits and digital skills training to empower young people to start and grow businesses. These programmes focus on building practical skills, fostering financial literacy, and driving digital inclusion to create jobs and a more resilient economy.
Prof Manu reiterated the need for stakeholders to focus more on the growth of the nation's economy, as part of efforts to address the challenges of the teeming unemployed youth. He emphasized that youth unemployment is a looming crisis in the country that needs urgent attention. He noted that many young people expect to be employed after completing their education, which can lead to challenges when they have to venture into entrepreneurship due to factors like lack of funding and motivation.
He further explained that the country's economy is not expanding enough to accommodate the growing number of graduates from junior high schools, senior high schools, and universities. Prof Manu stressed the importance of supporting micro enterprises, which in terms of employment numbers, play a crucial role compared to larger companies. He urged the youth to work diligently, maintain honesty, and take pride in their work as these attributes are key to achieving success.
