Collins Sefa The National Academy of Students’ Achievement Awards Ghana (NASAAG) has celebrated its 5th anniversary with a renewed focus on nurturing student entrepreneurship and bridging the gap between academic education and real-world business innovation.
At a vibrant ceremony held at the British Council in Accra, NASAAG inaugurated a new Board of Trustees and executive team, setting a fresh direction aimed squarely at equipping students with entrepreneurial skills, business leadership qualities, and career-ready expertise.
Under the theme “Bridging Industry and Academia: A Pathway to Equipping Students as Future Professionals, Community, and Business Leaders,” the event brought together educationists, corporate leaders, policymakers, and youth advocates. Discussions highlighted NASAAG’s impact over the past five years and its vision to drive a new era of student-led entrepreneurship.
In his keynote address, NASAAG President Mr. Riffath Yakub Abubakar unveiled plans for a new specialised training center where students will receive short-term vocational and entrepreneurial education during school vacations. He described the initiative as a game-changer for preparing young Ghanaians not just for employment, but for business ownership and innovation.
“For five years, we’ve empowered over 5,000 students through mentorship, leadership training, and job placement support,” said Mr. Abubakar. “Now, we are pushing further—into entrepreneurship—giving students the tools to not just seek opportunities but to create them.”
New Board Chairman Mr. Franklin Adjetey emphasized NASAAG’s commitment to driving sustainable youth entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships with the private sector, development agencies, and academic institutions. He called on stakeholders to join forces with NASAAG to expand opportunities for student entrepreneurs across the country.
The event’s chairperson, Baroness Mrs. Mavis Leonards, CEO of Global Sky Limited-Genesisc, praised NASAAG’s entrepreneurial agenda, stating:
“The future of our industries and economy depends on the investments we make in young entrepreneurs today. NASAAG’s work in nurturing student innovators is laying the foundation for Ghana’s prosperity.”
Former beneficiaries also shared inspiring success stories, including career placements and business ventures in the U.S., U.K., and Germany—opportunities that were made possible through NASAAG’s entrepreneurial mentorship programs and referral networks.
The ceremony concluded with the formal investiture of the new board and executive team, honoring past leaders who played critical roles in shaping NASAAG’s journey.
As NASAAG looks ahead, its mission remains clear: empowering the next generation of Ghanaian entrepreneurs through a bold blend of academic excellence, practical training, and business leadership development.
