The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has launched the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) GNCCI Junior Chamber to equip students with entrepreneurial skills and promote private sector leadership.
The initiative forms part of the Chamber’s strategy to strengthen collaboration between universities and industry and preparing students for opportunities in entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The launch follows similar initiatives introduced at the University of Ghana and Takoradi Technical University in 2025.
Mr. Stephane Miezan, President of GNCCI, said the Junior Chamber initiative responded to Ghana’s demographic and employment realities.
He noted that although Ghana’s youthful population presented opportunities for innovation and enterprise, many graduates faced challenges transitioning from education into employment or entrepreneurship.
“Through the GNCCI Junior Chamber, students will gain practical entrepreneurial training, mentorship from experienced business leaders and access to industry networks that will enable them to transform ideas into sustainable enterprises,” he said:
Mr. Miezan said the programme sought to create a national entrepreneurial network for students and young innovators while nurturing a new generation of business leaders to drive private sector development and job creation.
Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice Chancellor of KNUST, representing the Vice Chancellor, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
He said universities must increasingly serve as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship and problem solving within national economies.
Mr. Ben Abdallah Alhassan, Municipal Chief Executive of the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly, representing Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, described the initiative as a timely intervention to address youth unemployment and strengthen entrepreneurship development among tertiary students.
He said data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicated that youth unemployment remained a significant national challenge, with unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 estimated at about 32.5 per cent.
The GNCCI Junior Chamber programme offers participating students mentorship opportunities, business development training and networking platforms while exposing them to emerging sectors such as digital entrepreneurship and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
GNA
