EDULearn Services Limited has officially launched the first cohort of its Youth Entrepreneurship Academy, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment in Ghana.
The programme, which commenced on January 26, 2025, at the Centrelink Conference Centre, Methodist University, will run through January 31, 2025.
In his opening remarks, Professor Ato Essuman, Executive Chairman of EDULearn, highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth and social development.
He noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute about 94% of the country’s industrial sector, creating most informal jobs.
“With 60% of the population under 35, youth unemployment has become a national security issue,” Professor Essuman said. He emphasized the need for a shift in mindset, urging young people to consider entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to government jobs. “Government does not create wealth; entrepreneurs do,” he stated.
Tailored training for post-national service youth
The academy targets post-national service personnel and unemployed youth, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills tailored to the evolving economic landscape.
The programme aims to instill an entrepreneurial mindset, teach fundamental principles of business, encourage creative problem-solving techniques and provide hands-on training in business management and innovation.
Participants are being prepared to explore entrepreneurial ventures that address pressing economic challenges while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Creating a conducive business environment
Professor Essuman emphasized the importance of supportive structures for entrepreneurial growth, including access to capital, political stability, and efficient governance systems.
He noted that good governance and a reliable judiciary are crucial for fostering investor confidence and sustaining business ventures.
“Capital follows stability,” he remarked, referencing historical instances where political instability hindered investment efforts.
Words of inspiration from guest speaker
The event’s Guest Speaker, Mr. Robert Bennin, Founder and Head of Executive Coaching at Temple Advisory, encouraged participants to embrace opportunities beyond their academic qualifications.
“Your career doesn’t have to follow the same path as your degree,” Mr. Bennin said, urging attendees to leverage skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking in diverse roles.
He emphasized that growth often comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone and adapting to change.
Optimism for the future
The first cohort of participants expressed enthusiasm about the academy, viewing it as a stepping stone toward entrepreneurial success.
With the second cohort scheduled for February 2–7, 2025, EDULearn Services remains committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and addressing the unemployment crisis in Ghana.
This initiative underscores the potential of entrepreneurship as a transformative tool for economic empowerment and sustainable development.
