Former Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, has called for a fundamental shift in Ghana’s workforce development approach, urging professionals across various industries to strive to become "Kung-Fu" masters of their craft, rather than settling for mediocrity.

Speaking at the Western Region Development Dialogue, Mr Cudjoe emphasised the necessity for genuine expertise in every field.

He highlighted that a culture of incomplete training has led to individuals claiming the title of "masters" without fully acquiring the requisite skills.

These so-called masters, in turn, pass on their half-formed knowledge to apprentices, creating a cycle of inefficiency and substandard work.

He stressed that for the Western Region to achieve sustainable economic growth, its workforce must prioritise competence, continuous learning, and true mastery.

“When we talk about Kung-Fu in China, it’s about mastering whatever you do. That’s what we need here, people who train and become real experts, not half-baked professionals who pass on unfinished knowledge,” he stated.

Cudjoe underscored the importance of restructuring training systems within industries such as construction, manufacturing, and the services sector to ensure that workers achieve high levels of proficiency before assuming leadership roles.

He called on businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers to invest in technical and vocational training that aligns with global standards.

The Western Region Development Dialogue, organised by the Western Region chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association, with funding from the Canada Funds for Local Initiatives, brought together key stakeholders to discuss collaborative strategies for sustainable growth in the region.

The event emphasised the role of expertise and knowledge transfer in shaping a competitive workforce capable of driving economic transformation.

This call for mastery comes at a crucial time, as Ghana seeks to position itself as a hub for skilled labour in West Africa, with the Western Region playing a pivotal role in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and industrial manufacturing.