Collins Sefa In a bold move to tackle the growing challenge of youth unemployment in Ghana, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has launched a new initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship among students of the University of Ghana.
The launch of the University of Ghana-Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Junior Chamber (UG-GNCCI) marks a significant milestone in promoting youth-led businesses in Ghana’s academic institutions. The initiative is designed to provide students with mentorship, startup capital, and business resources, laying the foundation for a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the launch event, Stephanie Miezan, President of the GNCCI, highlighted the business community’s resolve to champion entrepreneurship among young people.
“The focus of the Junior Chamber is to encourage the youth to come into entrepreneurship,” Miezan stated. “We believe that building an entrepreneurial mindset early is key to solving youth unemployment and supporting national development.”
Government Affirms Support for Student Startups
The event, which brought together top officials from the Presidency and the Ministry of Education, was attended by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who spoke on behalf of the President.
“This project is the first step we are taking to grow entrepreneurs by encouraging our students to own and run their own businesses,” Debrah emphasized. “The government is fully committed to supporting startups and will provide the necessary capital and resources to well-prepared young entrepreneurs.”
University of Ghana Commits to Entrepreneurial Growth
Also addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This is a very important programme that will benefit our students greatly,” she said. “We will work closely with the Chamber to ensure our students develop entrepreneurial thinking even before they graduate.”
Prof. Amfo further explained that the UG-GNCCI Junior Chamber complements existing initiatives such as the Student Venture Support Programme, which seeks to develop entrepreneurial talent across the student body.
A New Pathway for Youth Development
The GNCCI Junior Chamber is a collaborative platform between the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of Ghana. The program aims to equip students with hands-on business skills, practical mentorship from industry leaders, and access to startup funding—all intended to inspire and empower young Ghanaians to become job creators rather than job seekers.
With this launch, the GNCCI and the University of Ghana hope to spark a new wave of student-led enterprises that will drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation.
