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The Centre for European Studies (CES) at the College of Humanities, University of Ghana, on December 5, 2023, held a roundtable discussion on youth employment and entrepreneurship in collaboration with the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, DAAD Ghana and Campus France. The discussion was aimed at igniting the passion of Ghanaian students and fostering meaningful connections between them and s stakeholders including members of the diplomatic corps, visionary CEOs of Ghanaian hubs, as well as accomplished entrepreneurs. The MC for the event, Dr. Collins Badu Agyemang welcomed everyone and introduced the guests and officials present at the event. Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Director of the Centre for European Studies (CES) in his welcome address, acknowledged the immense contribution of the European Union to Ghana over the years and thanked the union for their continued support, hoping that it would continue into the future. He stated that in the last two (2) years, the Centre has organised several noteworthy events and would soon introduce certificate and degree programs to expose students to knowledge about European society. Dr. Asah-Asante hoped that students would take advantage of the programmes to build capacity and prepare themselves for their future and that of their country. He concluded by urging all the students present to utilise the opportunity to create networks and learn valuable lessons from the speakers.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Director of the Centre for European Studies (CES) giving his remarks.
The Chairman for the occasion, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities in his remarks welcomed everyone to the event and gave some insights on developing people with the appropriate skills for the world of work. He stated that the advancement in technology, the replacement of humans with robots and digitalisation have led to mass unemployment among the youth in many countries. This has led to many countries and organisations developing and implementing policies surrounding skills development among the youth. He, therefore, commended the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, for their efforts in helping to curb youth unemployment and develop the youth, and anticipated their continued support moving forward. The Provost then concluded by applauding CES for their partnership with the EU and the good work that they had done in the fight against youth unemployment in Ghana.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities giving his remarks
Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Irchad Razaaly, the EU ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Massimo Mina indicated that youth empowerment was a top priority of the EU, and as such the union had introduced several initiatives in pursuance of this goal. He stated that the youth make up a large percentage of the Ghanaian population; hence, developing their capacity and skills will contribute significantly to developing the country. He therefore encouraged the students present to be open-minded, proactive, innovative, and ready to take advantage of available opportunities to study in Europe, in order to broaden their horizons. This was corroborated by the Head, Department of Political Science, Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, who in his remarks beseeched the youth to seize opportunities to utilise their skills both in and outside Ghana, to develop themselves and the nation.
Mr. Massimo Mina, Representative of the EU ambassador to Ghana
Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, Head, Department of Political Science
A roundtable discussion on youth entrepreneurship followed, moderated by Mrs. Genevieve Parker-Twum, SNV Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor. The panelists comprised experts and entrepreneurs, including Mr. Stephen Eku, entrepreneur and founder of Emigoh, manufacturers of Yomi Yoghurt, Mrs. Victoria Afua Agbai, entrepreneur, trade advisor and founder of Bubune Cosmetics, Mrs. Wilhelmina Cornelia Daniels, entrepreneur and founder of Achievers Success Hub, a bilingual service company and Mr. Sherif Ghali, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE)and Chairperson for the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs – Africa (CAYE Africa), who all shared a wealth of experience from their respective fields. The discussions highlighted the personal experiences of the panelists, where to find opportunities and support, skills and benefit acquisition, as well as the challenges that they faced. They urged students to make the most of their time on campus and gain practical experience, emphasising the importance of turning their ideas into successful businesses. These also implored the students to be curious and avail themselves to learn new things. This was followed by an insightful session of questions and answers.
Panelists seated at the event
The event concluded with an information session where organisations and universities from various European countries and their reps, including Erasmus+, represented by Ms. Martha Brigone, the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF) represented by Mrs. Esther Fobi Donkor, Campus France and DAAD Ghana shared information regarding the opportunities for mobility and cooperation between European and Ghanaian academics that will benefit students and faculty alike. Students were also taken through the benefits and process of applying to European Universities and the courses that they have to offer. The event, held at the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) Conference Facility (main auditorium) was well attended by faculty and students of the University of Ghana.
A cross-section of participants seated at the event