Education must provide skills to lift people out of poverty - Bishop Titi-Ofei

The Founder and Chairman of Accra Business School, Bishop Dr Gideon Titi-Ofei, has said that youth poverty is the bane of Ghana's democracy, commending the government for introducing educational initiatives, which he said would ensure the youth acquire critical skills needed for the future.

Speaking at the 16th graduation ceremony of the Accra Business School on Saturday, Bishop Titi-Ofei noted that the government's Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative was a laudable step which would lay the foundation for economic transformation.

"We believe education must provide the skills to lift people out of poverty because the greatest threat to our democracy today is youth poverty. Nations thrive when they turn their people into highly productive human capital. The Free SHS initiative lays the foundation for this transformation," he said.

He also said that the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Ghanaian education system will "drive innovation and economic growth in our nation.

"Honourable Minister, I also want to acknowledge your great efforts in promoting STEM education. By focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, you are ensuring that our students have the critical skills need for the future. This forward-thinking approach will surely drive innovation and economic growth in our nation," he added.

Bishop Titi-Offei, who is also the General Overseer of the Pleasant Place Church, said that his outfit was focused on raising a generation of leaders who will drive innovation and solve complex problems.

"At Accra Business School, we are committed to excellence. We are shaping a golden generation of leaders who are educated to global standards, ready to lead change, drive innovation and solve complex problems in a Christ-centred scholarly environment that integrates faith and learning.

"Our approach to educating the next generation of leaders is driven by our vision of shaping servant leaders like Jesus Christ who can create jobs, increase incomes and reduce poverty," he added.

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, speaking at the event commended the leadership of the school for their immense contribution to the growth of education in the country.

Dr Adutwum used the occasion to enlighten the participants on some of the initiatives undertaken by the government to improve Ghana's education system.

About 400 students graduated with honours in Master of Science Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science Information Technology Management, Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Global Leadership and Diploma in Management and Finance.

AE