By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, July 24, GNA – Tertiary students, particularly those pursuing programmes in vocational and technical education, have been urged to acquire and apply skills that would help drive Ghana’s development through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Professor Isaac Boateng, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Kumasi, said the acquisition and effective application of vocational, technical and entrepreneurial skills remained one of the most reliable ways of addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
He emphasised that vocational and technical education should not be regarded as a second-choice option and encouraged students in the field to see themselves as highly valued professionals capable of promoting the image of USTED.
Prof Boateng made the remarks at the opening of the 2026 Fashion and Food Production Exhibition organised by students of the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles Education and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Education at USTED.
He stressed the need for students to promote Ghanaian culture and cuisine and position them competitively on the global market.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor urged the students to develop a passion for service, become job creators, and create opportunities for others.
He noted that USTED was transforming lives through quality vocational and technical education by equipping students with values and practical skills that contributed to national development.
Prof Boateng encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning, saying talents and gifts could only attain excellence through continuous development and training.
He also commended members of staff and urged them to remain committed to shaping graduates capable of meeting industry demands.
Prof Josephine Aboagyewaa Ntiri, Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Education at USTED, said the exhibition was intended to promote creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
She described the event as a platform where talent met opportunity and encouraged students to network and explore emerging opportunities using their fashion creations and local and international culinary skills.
Prof Isaac Abraham, Head of the Fashion Department, said the exhibition was a testament to the quality training students had received from the university.
He advised them to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired to establish their own businesses rather than leaving them unused.
Prof Abraham also urged students to take advantage of emerging global opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He encouraged them to be environmentally conscious and integrate sustainability principles into their work.
Mr Isaac Frimpong Manso, a Fashion Designer, advised the students to pay particular attention to the business aspect of the fashion industry and work towards making their brands indispensable to consumers.
He urged them to remain committed to their core values and develop distinctive identities for their brands.
Mr Manso further encouraged the students to identify areas of specialisation to help build a competitive and vibrant fashion industry.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah