The Chief Executive Officer of Auba Consult Ltd, Jacob Ayin, has expressed concern over the many graduates who enter the workforce with strong theoretical knowledge but limited exposure to real-world industrial challenges.

This, he said, is creating a skills gap that affects productivity and innovation within the food industry.

Delivering the keynote address at a two-day Open Day event at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Nyankpala Campus, Mr. Ayin emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to address persistent gaps in food safety compliance, technical expertise, and innovation transfer.

"Many graduates enter the workforce with strong theoretical knowledge but limited exposure to real-world industrial challenges," Mr. Ayin stated. "This creates a skills gap that affects productivity and innovation within the food industry."

The event brought together food science students, SME operators, industry professionals, regulators, and development partners to deliberate on critical challenges facing Ghana's food industry. The theme was Safe Food, Smart Business: Innovating Quality from Lab to Market.

According to Mr. Ayin, Ghana's food manufacturing sector continues to grow, but many local SMEs struggle to meet internationally recognised food safety and quality standards. He attributed this challenge to limited access to technical expertise and the high cost of professional consultancy services, which discourages businesses from investing in essential quality systems.

"The inability of SMEs to meet global standards significantly limits their export potential and access to premium markets, ultimately affecting their growth and contribution to national development," Mr. Ayin said.

Auba Consult Ltd introduced the Food Industry Resilience and Growth (FIRG) Initiative, providing fully sponsored technical support and capacity-building opportunities for SMEs.

The initiative will focus on training businesses in internationally recognised food safety management systems, such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000, as well as good manufacturing and hygiene practices.

The FIRG Initiative will also provide direct support for the implementation of quality management systems, mentorship programmes, and compliance readiness through sponsored audits. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, creating a pipeline of industry-ready graduates while enhancing innovation within the sector.

The event targeted SMEs, particularly food processors and manufacturers in the northern regions, as well as final-year students in food science and agriculture at UDS. Stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, funding organisations, and development partners, also attended.

Auba Consult Ltd emphasised its commitment to delivering locally grounded solutions with global standards, leveraging its network of professionals with extensive international experience. The company highlighted its existing collaboration with UDS and engagement with the FDA as a strong foundation for achieving measurable and sustainable impact.

The event marks a significant step toward building a more resilient, competitive, and globally recognised food industry in Ghana.