The Queen Mother of the Asante Students Union at the University of Ghana, Nana Yaa Serwaa II, has emphasised the need for students to acquire practical skills that can guarantee financial independence, especially as graduate unemployment continues to rise across the country.
This comes as the Asante Students Union rolls out its entrepreneurial skills training initiative, set to begin on June 19, 2026, at the Akuafo Hall Gardens. The programme has been introduced to equip students with employable, hands-on skills that complement their academic studies.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive, she explained that the motivation behind the initiative stemmed from observing how many students struggle to meet their basic needs on campus and often rely heavily on their parents for support.
She noted that the programme was designed to provide students with an alternative pathway to income generation while pursuing their academic studies.
“I looked beyond education that is limited to sitting in a classroom and listening to lectures. As a student myself, I know how difficult it can be to afford certain things on campus without calling your parents,” she said, stressing that the initiative offers students a real opportunity to attain financial independence.
She also stated that the training is completely free, adding that participants will receive tools and equipment at the end of the programme to help them start their own ventures rather than waiting for government employment.
“This is an opportunity for students to become financially independent. We are not taking anything from you. You are not required to purchase any equipment. At the end of the programme, you will have a skill that can generate income for you without having to wait for the government to employ you,” she noted.
The Queen Mother also addressed the mindset many graduates hold regarding employment, arguing that overreliance on government jobs limits young people’s potential to innovate and create opportunities for themselves.
“But we often forget that while it is the government’s responsibility to create opportunities, it is also our responsibility as individuals to create opportunities for ourselves,” she said, urging students to rethink the belief that a certificate automatically guarantees a government job.
The Skills Training and Exhibition Initiative forms part of the broader efforts of the Asante Students Union to empower students with practical, income-generating skills that complement their academic pursuits and prepare them for life beyond the university.
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Story by Rocklyn Agyei | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
