By Benjamin Akoto, GNA
Sunyani (Bono), Dec. 14, GNA – Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, has stressed that technological advancements, climate change and shifting global dynamics demand a more adaptable, resilient, and sustainable approach to developing the country’s workforce.
According to him, the focus should no longer be solely on acquiring skills for employment, but on cultivating a mindset that enables individuals to continuously learn, innovate, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Mr Akwaboa made this call when he addressed graduates at the 18th Congregation of Sunyani Technical University (STU), held on the university’s campus in Sunyani.
The event was themed, “Sustainable Skills Development for Global Job Creation and Employability.”
A total of 1,896 students were awarded certificates for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Mr Akwaboa noted that navigating the complexities of the 21st century had shown that traditional approaches to education and skill-building were no longer sufficient.
“This is where sustainable skills come into play skills that not only enhance employability but also contribute to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants,” he said.
He highlighted areas such as renewable energy, data analysis, artificial intelligence, creativity, STEM, and innovation as essential components of sustainable skills and stressed that sustainable skills development is no longer optional but a necessity for global job creation and employability.
Mr Akwaboa also acknowledged that graduate unemployment remained a significant challenge in Ghana, despite various interventions aimed at addressing the issue.
He mentioned government initiatives such as the National Youth Employment Programme, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), and the recently launched Coders Programme as examples of efforts to tackle graduate unemployment.
Professor Samuel Awuah-Nyamekye, Chairman of the STU Council, noted that the university had been experiencing a high attrition rate due to retirements and other factors and at the same time, new academic programmes are being introduced.
He explained that this situation had led to a student-to-lecturer ratio that exceeded the standards set by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
Prof. Awuah-Nyamekye said the university had submitted a request through GTEC for government approval and appealed for financial clearance to recruit new staff, saying, this, was essential for the university to effectively fulfill its academic mandate.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh/Linda Asante Agyei