Weak economic conditions impede youth entrepreneurship after formal and informal education – Educationist

Weak economic conditions impede youth entrepreneurship after formal and informal education – Educationist

Mr. Ohene Kwarteng, an educationist and discourse analyst and a lecturer at Sunyani Technical University in the Bono Region, has advocated for the establishment of a stable and robust economy in Ghana and across Africa to empower young graduates to establish their own businesses, rather than relying on government job opportunities.

In an interview on the GIFTs FM Morning Show, hosted by Kwaku Mensah Abrampa, Mr. Kwarteng remarked that majority of university programs are not oriented solely towards securing government employment upon graduation.

He emphasized that the concept of University education fosters open-mindedness and creates substantial environments and experiences that encourage individuals to initiate their own businesses and employ others after graduation stressing that not all university students are exclusively focused on pursuing government jobs.

Furthermore, he highlighted that while many university graduates aspire to launch their private enterprises, the prevailing economic conditions in Ghana and Africa as a whole are not conducive to the establishment and growth of businesses leading to the perception that graduates become ineffective after obtaining their degrees if they do not secure government positions. Mr. Kwarteng refuted this notion, asserting that with a robust economy that supports its citizens, there would be no such thing as a “useless” degree certificate.

Ohene Kwarteng urged politicians to take responsibility and avoid becoming a burden to the youth. He emphasized that many young individuals who have opted out of formal education have completed skills training but lack the necessary capital and equipment to establish their own enterprises, exacerbated by challenging economic conditions.

He therefore called on the government to bolster the national economy and enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to encourage more youth to pursue skill training, rather than solely focusing on university education, which often does not guarantee employment.

He also urged local assemblies to refrain from obstructing youths who wish to acquire land for setting up their businesses after completing their training, underscoring the importance of politicians prioritizing the progress and development of the youth over personal enrichment.

Ohene Kwarteng further appealed to traditional authorities, religious leaders, and philanthropists to focus on creating job opportunities for the youth, rather than utilizing available resources for personal gain, such as marrying multiple wives.

He expressed concern regarding some traditional authorities who exploit their power to sell land for personal enrichment, neglecting their community members by failing to provide support related to job creation and employment opportunities. He added that religious organizations should intensify efforts to establish institutions such as schools and hospitals to generate additional employment avenues for the youth, rather than using their profits for luxury items for pastors and selected leaders.

Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (GIFTs FM – Dormaa Ahenkro)