The 5th edition of the Ghana Social Enterprise Forum unfolded in Accra with resounding calls for action to equip the youth with innovative and entrepreneurial skills.

Themed “Developing Skills for Impact: Training the Next Generation of Change-Makers in Ghana,” the forum brought together policymakers, social entrepreneurs, academics, investors, and stakeholders to deliberate on creating a skilled workforce for sustainable growth.

Executive Director of Social Enterprise Ghana, Edwin Zu-Cudjoe, set the stage with a passionate address, stating the urgency of equipping youth with socially innovative and entrepreneurial skills.

“The world is at a crossroads, and Ghana is equally challenged by youth unemployment, business failures, and environmental degradation.

"We must develop bold leaders with vocational, digital, and green skills to transform our country into a more sustainable and inclusive society,” he said.

Reflecting on past forums, Mr Zu-Cudjoe celebrated the strides made in promoting social enterprise policies, inclusion in businesses, and agribusiness innovation.

He expressed gratitude to partners like the Mastercard Foundation and the African Union, who have supported initiatives training over 80,000 youth in vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

The forum featured panel discussions and presentations on key topics such as transformational leadership, the regulatory environment, and promoting industry-academic collaboration.

Mr Zu-Cudjoe acknowledged the importance of these conversations, stating, “Today’s forum is about showing us the path to develop the skills necessary for our survival and sustainable development.”

He also encouraged social entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to embrace opportunities for innovation and growth.

“To our social entrepreneurs—make more impact. Your work is vital to transforming our communities,” he added.

Acknowledging the support of global and local partners, Mr Zu-Cudjoe extended heartfelt thanks to organisations like World University Services of Canada, GIZ, Qatar Charity, and the European Union.

Their contributions have provided critical resources for skills development in green and digital fields, benefiting vulnerable groups, including young women and persons with disabilities.

In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Mrs Wilma Titus-Glover, the Principal Programme Officer for Inclusive Education, underscored the importance of inclusive education.

She said, “Education remains the cornerstone of Ghana’s developmental agenda, and we must continue to promote an all-inclusive, skill-based education.”

She highlighted the government’s strides in education, particularly the integration of skills training through initiatives like Free SHS and TVET programs.

She added, “We are committed to ensuring that the next generation of Ghanaians is prepared to compete globally while contributing to national development.”

The forum served as a vibrant platform for participants to exchange ideas, network, and explore innovative solutions for equipping Ghana’s youth with the tools they need to thrive.

In her address, Mrs Titus-Glover concluded with an optimistic outlook: “This is our moment to invest in skills for impact. Together, let us nurture the next generation of change-makers who will lead Ghana into a brighter future.”

The event highlighted the collective effort needed to build a skilled and empowered workforce capable of driving socio-economic progress in Ghana and beyond.