Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for a reorientation of Ghana’s educational system to emphasise innovation and entrepreneurship as a strategy to tackle the country’s growing youth unemployment.
Speaking at the launch of the Volta Youth Development Fund in Ho on Saturday, Mr Asiedu Nketia said Ghana’s unemployment challenge had been compounded by the orientation of the country’s educational institutions, which largely prepare students to seek employment rather than create jobs.
He explained that in many developed countries, universities focus on researching societal problems and developing solutions that contribute to economic growth, while in Ghana most universities train students mainly for employment in government or established organisations.
Mr Asiedu Nketia noted that it was unrealistic to expect any government to provide employment for all graduates entering the job market each year.
“It is simply not possible for any government to employ all graduates coming out of our universities. Somebody must begin to create jobs and employment opportunities so that others can also be employed,” he said.
He described initiatives such as the Volta Youth Development Fund as important interventions that could support young people with innovative ideas to establish businesses and generate employment.
According to him, placing everyone on the government’s payroll would not be sustainable, as the country’s limited tax revenue would be insufficient to support such a system.
Mr Asiedu Nketia therefore urged young people, particularly university students, to begin identifying problems within society and develop practical solutions that could be transformed into viable businesses.
“Economies grow when people identify problems affecting society and convert solutions into sources of income,” he said.
He acknowledged that Ghana’s systems for nurturing business ideas were still evolving but stressed that the country must continue moving in that direction.
Mr Asiedu Nketia expressed hope that the Volta Youth Development Fund would inspire similar initiatives in other regions and among corporate organisations to help address youth unemployment across the country.
He also donated GH¢500,000 to support the fund.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, expressed appreciation to the National Chairman for his support towards the initiative through the donation, and urged other individuals and corporate organisations to also contribute to the Volta Youth Development Fund to help expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the region.
GNA