By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Aug 23, GNA – Mr Eugene Boadu, the Head of Corporate Affairs, mPedigree Network, has encouraged the youth to embrace personal responsibility and strategically utilise technological advancements.
He said it was vital for young people to assume personal responsibility due to existing gaps in policies, saying, despite the ongoing economic crisis the technology sector continued to expand and generate employment opportunities, particularly with the influx of international companies.
Mr Boadu said the continued focus on traditional liberal arts education, despite the urgent need for technicians, artisans, designers, and builders in a developing country, reflected a misalignment in policymaking.
“There is a disconnect between this growing demand and our educational institutions, which are not adequately aligned to address the needs of this evolving field,” he added.
He was speaking at the International Youth Day (IYD) 2024 commemoration by the Africa Business Centre for Developing Education (ABCDE), held in Accra.
The event was on the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.
Mr Boadu said one of the most accessible paths for young individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures lies within the technology sector.
He said by acquiring relevant skills and utilising a computer, they had the potential to develop transformative products that could achieve significant financial success.
“In fact, if we were to get our social prioritisation right, it might make sense for us to downplay so many other things that we invest in and shift our focus to technology.”
“Technology is how China and India have won and how they have gotten to the forefront of global economic pursuit, and Africa must do the same,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of acquiring coding skills, as it was a highly effective pathway to employment, such that companies were often willing to hire individuals with coding expertise even before they graduated.
Mr Boadu called for corporate priorities to support programmes that enabled young people to take advantage of opportunities and become future leaders, indicating that the Government could not do them all, given the limitations of current government revenues.
Madam Shirley Tony Kum, the Corporate Communication Manager, of Vivo Energy Ghana, said there was the need to expand digital infrastructures in Ghana, particularly in remote areas, to promote digital inclusion.
She said the Government must explore partnerships with telecommunications companies to make data more affordable for educational institutions, since this would enable students to access relevant content and resources, thereby enhancing and accelerating their educational progress.
“The Government and the private sector must collaborate to do more,” she added.
Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the Chairman of ABCDE, said the IYD was a year that was celebrated within the international system led by the United Nations to basically bring to the attention of the world, particular themes of vital relevance to the youth, and conscientise them.
He said coding had been recognised as a foundational skill essential for anyone aiming to enter the technology sector.
Dr Spio-Garbarah said experts in computer science and technology recognised coding as a fundamental skill that young people should master, as it provided a direct pathway to employment, employability, and income generation.
He said regardless of their chosen disciplines, whether it was in engineering, medicine, or business administration, acquiring coding skills would significantly enhance their abilities and effectiveness in any profession pursued.
GNA