The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) in collaboration with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), has launched the KNUST-GNCCI Junior Chamber initiative aimed at equipping students with entrepreneurial skills while strengthening links between academia and industry.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, described the initiative as an important step in deepening collaboration between universities and industry. According to him, modern universities must go beyond being centres for teaching and research to become catalysts that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.
“This initiative provides an excellent platform for students to engage directly with the business community, gain practical insights into industry operations and develop entrepreneurial mindsets that will prepare them for the realities of the modern economy,” Prof. Asamoah said.
He added that such partnerships help align university teaching, research and innovation with industry needs while empowering students not only to seek employment but also to create enterprises, generate jobs and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation.
Professor Asamoah commended the GNCCI for introducing the initiative and expressed confidence that the collaboration would grow into a strong platform for mentorship, innovation and entrepreneurial development.
The Chief Executive Officer of GNCCI, Mr. Mark Badu-Aboagye, explained that the Junior Chamber programme was introduced partly in response to the growing youth unemployment challenge in Ghana.
According to him, Ghana has one of the youngest populations in Africa, with about 57 percent of the population under the age of 25, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation and enterprise. However, many young graduates face difficulties transitioning from education into employment or entrepreneurship.
“Over 1.4 million young Ghanaians are currently unemployed, including many graduates. Every year, thousands of students graduate from our universities, but only a small percentage secure employment within the first year. Many struggle to transition from education into employment or entrepreneurship,” he said.
Mr. Badu-Aboagye noted that the gap often lies in limited access to practical business skills, mentorship, networks and capital, adding that the KNUST-GNCCI Junior Chamber has been designed to help bridge this gap.
“The programme will provide practical entrepreneurial training, mentorship from experienced business leaders, networking opportunities and exposure to real business environments. It will also connect students to industry and provide access to opportunities that can help them build sustainable enterprises,” he said.
He further indicated that the GNCCI, which represents about 10,000 businesses across Ghana, would leverage its extensive network to support student entrepreneurs through mentorship, business-to-student engagement events and access to industry connections.
The President of GNCCI, Mr. Stephane Miezan, encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to economic success and national development.
He explained that many of the world’s most successful individuals built their fortunes through enterprise and innovation, stressing that the establishment of the Junior Chamber in universities is intended to nurture the next generation of business leaders.
“Through this initiative, students will have access to experienced business leaders who will mentor them and guide them through the challenges of building sustainable enterprises,” he said.
Representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive for Asokore Mampong, Mr. Ben Abdallah Alhassan, emphasised the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the marketplace.
“Education is essential, but it is not enough on its own. We must close the divide between classroom learning and the practical demands of the marketplace. Our youth must not only seek employment but must also be equipped to create it, innovate and build sustainable enterprises,” he said.
A representative from the Directorate of Student Affairs, Professor Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, congratulated the students selected as pioneers of the Junior Chamber programme and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities the initiative offers.
“This Junior Chamber will serve as a platform where you can learn the intricacies of business operations, establish networks with industry players and receive the mentorship necessary to transform your ideas into sustainable enterprises,” he said.
As part of the event, Professor Samuel Akomea, Head of the Centre for Business Development (CBD-KNUST), led the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KNUST and GNCCI to formalise the establishment of the Junior Chamber.
The agreement was signed by Professor David Asamoah on behalf of KNUST and Mr. Stephane Miezan for GNCCI.
By: Abigail Ofori & Akosua Konadu Bandoh Photos: Michael Kwawu
