By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani (Bono), Dec. 13, GNA — Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, has called for a more adaptable, resilient, and sustainable approach to workforce development, citing technological advancement, climate change and shifting global dynamics.
He said the focus must go beyond acquiring skills for employment to cultivate a mindset that enables continuous learning, innovation, and growth in an evolving world.
Mr Akwaboa made the call at the 18th Congregation of the Sunyani Technical University (STU) in Sunyani, held on the theme “Sustainable Skills Development for Global Job Creation and Employability.” A total of 1,896 students graduated during the 2024/2025 academic year.
He noted that traditional approaches to education and skills training were no longer sufficient to address 21st-century challenges, stressing that sustainable skills enhance employability while contributing to environmental and social well-being.
The Minister identified renewable energy, data analysis, artificial intelligence, creativity, STEM and innovation as critical areas, adding that sustainable skills development was now a necessity for global job creation.
He acknowledged graduate unemployment as a major challenge and cited government interventions, including the National Youth Employment Programme, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and the Coders Programme, as efforts to address the issue.
Prof. Samuel Awuah-Nyamekye, Chairman of the STU Council, said the university was experiencing high staff attrition due to retirements amid the introduction of new academic programmes.
He said the situation had resulted in a student-to-lecturer ratio above the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) standard, adding that the university had submitted a request through GTEC for government approval and financial clearance to recruit additional staff.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh/Audrey Dekalu