The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), in collaboration with the Centre for Business Development and Entrepreneurship (CBDE) at Takoradi Technical University (TTU), has officially inaugurated its first-ever Junior Chamber, an initiative designed to equip young entrepreneurs with essential skills, resources, and mentorship to drive Ghana’s economic transformation.
Held under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs,” the launch emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the country’s business landscape.
Speaking at the event, GNCCI President Stephane Abbas Miezan highlighted the rationale behind the Junior Chamber, explaining that while political groups like TESCON and TEIN prepare students for leadership roles in politics, there has been no structured initiative to guide young people into business and entrepreneurship.
“I believe most of you know about TESCON and TEIN, which focus on training students for politics. I thought about it wisely and asked myself—if politicians are training students to enter politics, what are business people doing to prepare our youth for entrepreneurship? Hence, the need to establish Junior Chambers in all colleges. That is why we are here today,” he stated.
He further elaborated that the Junior Chamber will collaborate with industries to create platforms where students can showcase their business ideas, receive mentorship, and attract investment.
“The Junior Chamber aims to encourage our brothers, sisters, and youth to embrace the idea of leaving school to create jobs for themselves rather than joining the perceived unemployed association. We want you to graduate and start your own businesses. Over time, the Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with industries, will organize forums where you can exhibit your talents and creativity. We, as business people, will assess these ideas and invest in them because sometimes, all you need is the right support to turn your dream into a global success,” he added.
TTU’s Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the university’s mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry. He pointed out that traditional university programs often lack direct employment linkages, contributing to rising youth unemployment.
“The youth play an indispensable role in the socio-economic development of nations, and their potential must not be overlooked. However, youth unemployment has been on the rise, partly due to traditional courses offered by many tertiary institutions, which often lack direct linkages to the world of work. To mitigate this challenge, tertiary institutions in Ghana, including TTU, have incorporated entrepreneurship education into their curricula. The GNCCI Junior Chamber and TTU Incubator are key milestones in this journey, providing students with practical avenues to translate their innovative ideas into commercially viable enterprises,” he stressed.
He urged students and stakeholders to take full advantage of the initiative, stressing that it will play a crucial role in reshaping Ghana’s education system and economic development.
Representing the Minister of Education, Director-General of the Commission for TVET, Zakaria Sulemana, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among young people. He stated that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital skills, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of employment and economic growth.
He called on private sector players, development partners, and government agencies to collaborate in creating a business-friendly environment that supports youth-led enterprises.
Similarly, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Augustine Ocloo, emphasized the importance of industry-focused education and practical training, acknowledging the challenges young entrepreneurs face due to the gap between academic knowledge and real-world business experience.
Felix Gyamfi, Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), speaking on behalf of the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, assured that the government is implementing policies to provide skills training, startup funding, and business development opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Director of the Centre for Business Development and Entrepreneurship, Joseph Oti-Asirifi, underscored the Chamber’s role in business networking, ideation, and entrepreneurial support, urging stakeholders to maximize the opportunities presented by the partnership.
The event also featured several successful entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and provided valuable advice, encouraging young people to embrace honesty, build strong networks, and seize internship opportunities to gain practical experience.
The launch was formalized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GNCCI and TTU, outlining their roles and commitments in ensuring the success of the Junior Chamber initiative.
With this initiative, TTU students now have a unique opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills, access mentorship, and turn their business ideas into reality, contributing to Ghana’s long-term economic growth.
