KNUST Alumni to tackle unemployment in Ghana

The Alumni (Teknokrats) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has committed itself to help manage Ghana’s unemployment challenge.

The crusade is reflected in the Alumni Association’s 7th Biennial National Congress on the theme: “Reducing Graduate Unemployment: the role of Teknokrats,” slated for Koforidua from October 11 – October 14.

A statement issued by the Association in Accra said graduate unemployment is a huge national challenge that needs priority attention.

It said the rising levels of unemployment can largely be attributed to the inability of the economy, government and employers to create sufficient jobs to absorb the growing numbers in the labour market.

“What compounds the problem is that there are no updated data on the unemployment rate and the profile of the unemployed in the country. Ghana Statistical Service is yet to release data on the current unemployment rate and profile.

Professor Ernest Aryeetey, an Economist and Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, at the launch of the 2011 Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research report on the state of the economy argued that chronic joblessness is the biggest weakness facing Ghana’s fast-growing economy.

Mr. Tony Danklu, KNUST Alumni National President expressed dissatisfaction about the rising graduate unemployment rate in the country and called on stakeholders to give the issue priority attention.

He noted that while the government and employers will be expected to play their part, graduates should also explore the possibility of setting up their own businesses.

“Entrepreneurship should feature prominently on the agenda. The most obvious form of entrepreneurship is that of starting new businesses, “he stressed.

Mr. Danklu called for regulatory reforms to drive entrepreneurship, whilst the cost of doing business would have to be lowered, adding: “Government will need to take some tough decisions involving compromises and trade-offs.”

He said:“ Congress will make concrete recommendations to government on how to tackle the unemployment challenges.”

Mr. Collins Obeng-Marnu, the Alumni Association’s National Vice President said “the public sector is the largest employer in Ghana, therefore any plans at resolving the issue of unemployment should take into account the role of government in introducing policies that positively impact on labour and productivity”.

The objective of KNUST Alumni is to create a platform to bring to the fore issues of national concern and seeks to renew old acquaintances and foster networking.

It also aims at participating actively in the administration of the University through representation on the University Council and its statutory bodies or committees; to mobilise human, financial and material resources in support of the University and to build the Alumni Jubilee Hostel to ease student accommodation on campus.