The University Relations Officer of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, has urged students to embrace entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (AI) as essential tools for creating jobs and driving national development.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, at the 2026 Ghana Cocoa Innovation Hackathon, Dr. Bekoe said Ghana's growing number of university graduates requires a shift from the traditional job-seeking mindset to one driven by innovation and enterprise.

He said universities must equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills to enable them to become job creators rather than job seekers, urging them to take advantage of the University's free AI programme, which he said is equipping students with digital skills increasingly required across professions.

"We have incorporated entrepreneurship at all levels across the University. We have also introduced artificial intelligence programmes for all students to ensure that you are not only earning a degree but also acquiring the skills to create jobs for yourselves," he said.

Dr. Bekoe encouraged students, particularly those pursuing agriculture-related programmes, to see agriculture as a viable pathway to entrepreneurship and national development rather than limiting themselves to conventional office careers.

"Agriculture is a very lucrative business. Bring innovation into farming and make it more attractive for the next generation," he said.

Commending the organisers of the hackathon, Dr. Bekoe described the initiative as an important platform for nurturing entrepreneurial thinking and exposing students to practical industry challenges.

"We want to see more initiatives like this that strengthen our students' entrepreneurial spirit. The innovative ideas developed here should not end with the competition but be translated into practical solutions that transform agriculture," he said.

He also encouraged participants to sustain the networks established during the competition by seeking mentorship, securing funding and collaborating to develop their ideas into successful enterprises.

"Don't let the groups disintegrate after this week. Build partnerships, develop your innovative ideas, and continue working together so they can grow into successful enterprises," he said.

Story: Belinda Opoku Danso  Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah