“Education Is Not Enough” – Julius Debrah Challenges Students to Become Job Creators at GNCCI Junior Chamber Launch

The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Julius Debrah, has issued a clarion call to Ghanaian youth to transition from job seekers to job creators, during the official launch of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) Junior Chamber Initiative at the University of Ghana.

Delivering the keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Debrah described the initiative as a “strategic national intervention,” and not merely the formation of another student group. He emphasized that empowering young people with the right skills, platforms, and networks is essential to driving Ghana’s economic transformation.

“When we equip our youth with the right skills, networks, and platforms, they will not only find jobs they will create them,” he stressed to an audience made up of students, academics, and business leaders.

Citing the 2023 Labour Market Report, Debrah expressed deep concern over the country’s rising youth unemployment rate, revealing that 1.4 million young Ghanaians are currently jobless, with 22.3% of them being university graduates.

“Education alone is not enough. We must bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical business experience,” he asserted, adding that the GNCCI Junior Chamber is positioned to be a “game-changer” in this regard.

Mr. Debrah lauded the University of Ghana and the GNCCI for their foresight in establishing the chamber, calling it a timely response to one of Ghana’s most urgent development challenges. He also highlighted the alignment of the initiative with broader government efforts such as the Adwumawura Project and the 24-Hour Economy Policy ,both designed to foster a resilient, inclusive, and entrepreneurial economy.

As part of efforts to deepen the impact of the initiative, the Chief of Staff revealed that the government would collaborate with the GNCCI Junior Chamber to facilitate exposure visits for students to successful entrepreneurs, manufacturing facilities, and even the Office of the President.

Encouraging the students to be bold and visionary, Debrah concluded: “The future of Ghana’s economy is not in distant boardrooms or faraway policies. It is right here in your hands. Dare to dream and act on those dreams.”

The GNCCI Junior Chamber Initiative aims to provide mentorship, networking, and practical business training for university students, equipping them to become key players in Ghana’s economic development.