Mohammed Awal, Minister for Business Development, has charged businesses in the country to align their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to that of government policies to enhance the development of the country.

Dr. Awal wants businesses to give graduates the opportunity to get training in their organizations as part of their CSR projects.

This he says is in line with government’s focus on human capital development which government believes is the best way to grow and formalize the economy, while reducing unemployment in the country.

Dr. Awal appreciated the contribution of businesses towards the growth of the country and charged them to do more. He said this speaking at the 2018 CSR awards organized by the Center for CSR.

“I want to urge businesses to consider job placement for our graduates as a key component of CSR. We need to encourage our young people to have a feel of work, and real job experience will be important to them,” he noted.

The minister also advised the business community to communicate their CSR policies effectively to inspire other companies.

“I think it is important that companies communicate their CSR policies effectively. When you communicate your CSR philosophies well, you are appreciated by stakeholders, and then other companies will also follow,” said Dr. Awal.

He also challenged businesses to absorb student for internships beginning next year.

Companies including MTN, Vodafone, Unilever, Guinness Ghana, and Qnet were awarded for various CSR projects in the country.