Dr. Stephen Amoah Calls for Youth Entrepreneurship and Stronger Industry-Education Linkages
Accra – Former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Stephen Amoah, has underscored the urgent need for Ghana to embrace youth entrepreneurship as a solution to rising unemployment among young graduates.
Speaking in an interview with the press during the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr. Amoah described the concept of youth empowerment through entrepreneurship as “one of the best models” for sustainable development.
“Every year, about 109,000 young Ghanaians complete school, but only about 10 percent secure jobs. White-collar jobs are now very limited, so the best way forward is for the youth to create their own businesses,” he stressed.
Dr. Amoah, who also served as Deputy Finance Minister in the Akufo-Addo administration, emphasized the importance of aligning Ghana’s educational system with industry demands. While commending professionals such as nurses, doctors, and pilots trained locally, he admitted that there remains a gap between classroom learning and practical industry exposure.
He recounted his experience studying abroad, where practical training programs—such as residential simulations of workplace environments—helped students gain real-world skills. He urged government and the private sector to replicate such initiatives in Ghana.
“The lack of industries to absorb graduates is a major challenge. Government must create a conducive environment for private sector expansion, while students themselves must take responsibility for applying their knowledge practically,” he noted.
On the political front, Dr. Amoah expressed confidence in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) chances in future elections, citing the party’s record of job creation under leaders like Kennedy Agyapong, whom he described as a “disciplined politician with a proven record of creating employment.”
Story by Eugene Kwasi Nyarko
