Ghanaian Professionals and Youth Urged to Prioritize Practical Skills and Integrity for Economic Transformation

Ghana’s professional landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as various institutions and industry leaders ramp up efforts to equip the youth and workforce with specialized skills. Recent events, ranging from the induction of new supply chain experts to intensive training for creative entrepreneurs and digital literacy advocates, highlight a national shift toward practical education. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and market demands, ensuring that Ghanaians are prepared to drive national development in an increasingly competitive global economy.

At the forefront of institutional development, the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM) recently inducted 194 new members during its 7th Induction and Investiture Ceremony at Fanaka International University in Accra. Under the theme "Integrated Supply Chain Management - The Catalyst of Development," the institute recognized four Fellows and 40 Subject Matter Experts. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, underscored the critical role of supply chain professionals, urging them to redefine their positions as central to institutional growth and national stability. This drive for excellence is set to gain further momentum as Ghana prepares to host the IFPSM World Summit in October 2023.

Complementing this institutional growth are grassroots initiatives focused on the creative and digital sectors. The KASA Africa Academy of Creative Excellence recently concluded its inaugural Creative Entrepreneurship Fellowship (CEF) in Accra, where 27 participants were trained in essential business structures. Founder Lawrencia Bazal Darko noted that while talent is vital, creative success depends on a blend of business knowledge and professional discipline. Similarly, the AI4Africa Initiative has launched a 120-day "AI Revolution" to empower students with artificial intelligence skills. Adeola Eka of the initiative stressed that students must graduate with market-ready skills like AI literacy to generate daily income and remain competitive even before formal graduation.

However, as technical and creative skills become more accessible, industry leaders are also sounding the alarm on the need for ethical focus and perseverance. Samuel Clottey, CEO of Sam Creatives, has urged the youth to prioritize hard work and authentic self-improvement over the deceptive lifestyles often portrayed on social media. He cautioned against seeking shortcuts to success, advocating for a focused approach to professional goals rather than comparing oneself to curated online personas. Collectively, these developments signal a holistic approach to education in Ghana—one that combines specialized technical expertise, creative entrepreneurship, and a steadfast commitment to personal integrity as the foundation for sustainable national growth.