You are here: HomeNews2007 08 03Article 128320

Business News of Friday, 3 August 2007

Source: Ewusie MENSAH

Entrepreneurship training for students

Newly appointed Minister for Manpower Development, Youth & Employment, Nana Akomea is advocating the introduction of a course in entrepreneurship in all tertiary institutions. This he says will help in developing the entrepreneurial skills of the country’s youth.

Nana Akomea, who is also MP for Okaikoi South and a former Information Minister told parliament during his vetting that the youth who are often referred as the future leaders should be seriously engaged in entrepreneurial training to help them take on tasks for themselves.

According to him, tertiary students graduate with the hope of securing a job from already established companies only to be disappointed. He therefore thinks a compulsory course in entrepreneurship training will help prepare fresh graduates to be able to depend on themselves, be creative and generally to prepare them for the employment sector.

Mr. Akomea assured parliament’s appointments committee that he would focus with all seriousness on the building of the capacity of the youth in order for them to become more productive and harness their skills.

He also described the National Youth Employment Scheme as a major response from government to the high levels of unemployment, but admitted that the scheme needs to be deepened to bring on board and also accommodate other unemployed people in the country.

The Manpower & Employment Minister expressed surprise at claims that the scheme is partisan, noting however that all stakeholders including political parties must be engaged for the smooth running and success of the scheme.

Mr. Akomea called for serious attention to be given to the disabled in society saying that will be one of his priorities and will ensure that they are taken off the streets.