GRASAG to support KNUST graduates to start business

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology branch of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) is to partner the Office of the National Entrepreneurial and Innovations Plan, among other local and West Africa sub-regional investors, to provide financial and logistical support for KNUST graduates, to enable them to start their own businesses after school.

Aside from prospective graduate entrepreneurs, those already engaged in some viable ventures also stand to benefit from the support package in the form of grants.

The President of the KNUST branch of GRASAG, Abraham Poku Adu, made these known at an educational forum in Kumasi, which was organised by the Women's Commission of the association. It was under the theme ‘Today's Graduate: Exploring Numerous Opportunities’.

Tertiary and senior high school students, researchers, investors and small and medium-scale entrepreneurs were among the participants at the forum.

Mr Adu explained that the problem of graduate unemployment is a global phenomenon which requires that graduates, especially in developing countries, should think outside the box and explore the numerous socio-economic opportunities which abound in their societies.

He emphasised that prospective beneficiaries of the National Entrepreneurial and Innovations Plan, which would be rolled out soon, would need to justify support for their respective business ideas, adding that there would not be room for preferential treatment.

Mr Adu also assured that GRASAG would continue to organise such forums for both tertiary and senior high school students to ultimately enhance their understanding of the dynamics of the global economic environment.

A Career Guidance Counsellor and motivational speaker, Lydia Berko-Asare urged the participants not to bow to societal pressure, particularly from their families on matters concerning career choices.

Rather, they should focus on pursuing careers they are passionate about. Other speakers at the forum spoke on ‘Women in the Development Process’ and ‘The Responsible Use Of Social Media’.