Students asked to embrace entrepreneurship

Nancy Ansah, Deputy Registrar of Regent University College of Science and Technology, says entrepreneurship can help tackle unemployment, crime and poverty in Ghana.

She disclosed this while speaking to students on the theme: ‘Entrepreneurship and sustainability: Addressing the Cancer of Unemployment’ over the weekend. “Unemployment continues to increase everywhere. Government cannot create enough jobs for all though they are to provide the enabling environment for entrepreneurial initiatives,” she said.

It is estimated that in Ghana more than 4 million people out of the 14 million people within the age bracket of 15-64, who are regarded as active, are jobless. Unemployment is the major cause of many social vices because it has deepened the poverty level and led to human resource wastage.

Ms Ansah noted that yearly thousands of youth search for jobs in the labour market when they are supposed to create jobs and add value to the economy through entrepreneurship.

“It is not too early to start. We can use our spare time and holiday periods in entrepreneurial activity to both help ourselves and parents,” she added. “Our youth need to start thinking of creating jobs no matter how small. They can start with soap making, beads making, decorating, gardening and hat making among others” she continued.

Jude Eastwood, Speaker of the Regent Parliament, stressed the need for systematic thinking and planning in their quest to become successful entrepreneurs.

Noting that many have failed in their quest to grow their businesses, he said that “after conceiving business ideas, we must take necessary steps to nurture them and implement them. We must not be afraid to leave our comfort zones to explore new opportunities. There is also the need to understudy known entrepreneurs so we can learn from them.”

The event was part of the Regent Students’ 8th Parliamentary Week Celebration, which brings together management members, students and the general public annually to engage in intellectual discourse, sports and entertainment.