Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Academic Experts Outline Strategy for Youth-Led Economic Transformation through Education and Innovation

Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has lauded the administration of President John Mahama for its decisive action against gold smuggling, which contributed to a record-breaking GH₵20 billion in gold exports in 2025. Speaking at the commissioning of a new campus for the University of Mines and Technology, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that the mining sector is increasingly becoming a cornerstone for regional education and skills development, particularly in the Ahafo region. The Minister’s remarks underscore a broader governmental strategy to integrate academic excellence with national resource management, urging increased local participation and corporate responsibility from industry leaders like Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. This push for specialized education is mirrored in the agricultural sector, where Dr. Eli A. Gaveh of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is championing a youth-led transformation. During the Ghana Cocoa Innovations Hackathon 2026, Dr. Gaveh warned of the risks posed by an aging farmer population and climate change, urging students to bring technological innovation to the cocoa sector. The event showcased practical solutions, such as a prize-winning project focused on the rehabilitation of old cocoa farms, highlighting the critical role of entrepreneurship and resource access in securing Ghana’s economic future. Parallel to these advancements, the National Population Council (NPC) has called for a massive, coordinated investment in Ghana’s estimated 12 million young people. Launching the activities for the 2026 World Population Day, acting Executive Director Angelina Osei Kodua-Nyanor stressed that sustainable development hinges on empowering the youth through robust education, healthcare, and job creation. Supported by the UNFPA, the Council is advocating for a shift where young people are viewed not just as beneficiaries, but as essential change agents and innovators capable of driving national progress. The emphasis on education extends beyond the classroom into professional oversight, as demonstrated by recent initiatives to strengthen Public Financial Management (PFM). Professor Godfred Alufar Bopkin of the University of Ghana Business School recently led a training seminar for journalists, organized by GIZ and the Media Foundation for West Africa. By equipping media professionals with the skills to analyze budgets and expenditures, the initiative aims to enhance transparency and citizen participation in governance. Collectively, these efforts in higher education, vocational innovation, and professional capacity building signal a comprehensive approach to harnessing Ghana’s human capital for long-term economic stability.