A five-day International Business and Entrepreneurship Research Conference (IBERC) has opened at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU), organised by the Faculty of Business Studies, with about 15 participating countries and 50 research papers expected to be presented.

Speaking at the opening of the first edition of IBERC, the Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, Prof. Abigail Gura, said the conference — held under the theme “Innovative Entrepreneurship, TVET and Sustainable Business Development for Economic Transformation” — aims to provide a platform for exchanging ideas and research findings on how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can be leveraged through entrepreneurial innovation to drive sustainable economic growth.

Prof. Gura noted that the conference underscores TTU’s commitment to addressing pressing socio-economic challenges, emphasising entrepreneurship and TVET as catalysts for job creation and inclusive growth.

“This year’s conference theme reflects our commitment to addressing the most pressing socio-economic challenges of our time. As a Faculty, we recognise that entrepreneurship and TVET are critical drivers of job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth. We also believe that sustainable business practices must underpin future development to achieve lasting prosperity for our communities and nations,” she said.

Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services at the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, in a presentation on “The Role of TVET in Building Skills for the Future of Work,” called for the integration of entrepreneurship and TVET into basic and pre-tertiary education to prepare the youth to appreciate the importance of TVET and its relevance to national development.

She said TVET offers a pathway to equip individuals for the vast informal economy, enhance employment prospects, and support business creation and a vibrant labour market.

Calling on government to prioritise TVET as a national imperative, Prof. Dzisi further advocated for curriculum reforms that introduce TVET from the basic level to prepare young minds for the future. She also emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between industry and academia to ensure that students gain real-world understanding and experience.

Head of Logistics at Tullow Ghana Limited, Samuel Kwesi Dickson, one of the speakers at IBERC 2025, delivered a presentation on “Sustainable Business Development: Pathways to a Green and Resilient Economy.” He called for an urgent shift from the traditional “take, make, use, dispose” model of production to a more sustainable and circular approach to business.

Highlighting key steps toward a resilient, green economy, Mr Dickson outlined four critical pathways: policy and regulation, finance and investment, innovation and technology, and cross-sector collaboration. He stressed the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and the private sector in driving innovation.

He urged students to view industry not only as a source of employment but also as a partner in solving global sustainability challenges, and encouraged them to embed environmental and social values in their academic and entrepreneurial ventures.

President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, in his keynote address on “From Ideas to Impact: Creating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems that Transform Economies,” called for a shift in mindset and generational thinking to achieve economic and environmental development.

Describing the theme as significant, Nana Nketsia said it calls for the abolition of habits that impede national progress and encourages the nation to dream big. He highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in national development and urged citizens to embrace an entrepreneurial vision within Ghanaian society.

Vice-Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, said IBERC 2025 marks a crucial step in strengthening the bridge between academia, industry, and community transformation.

“This event marks another proud milestone in TTU’s journey toward academic excellence and industry relevance. It is heartwarming to see such a diverse gathering of researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and students brought together by a shared passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development,” he said.

He noted that TTU’s growing commitment to academic–industry collaboration has contributed to its recognition as Ghana’s top technical university in the AD Scientific Index University and Scientist Rankings.

Rev. Prof. Eshun highlighted TTU’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship through success stories from its Innovation Hub (TTU-iHub) and partnerships with local and international organisations. He also announced TTU’s role in the Adwumawura Programme, run in collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), which is currently equipping 62 young people with business management skills, mentorship, and funding support.

The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah Nyarkoh, expressed his readiness to work with TTU as the host constituency to help train Ghana’s future workforce. He stressed that TVET is essential in addressing unemployment and urged government to prioritise TVET education.

The five-day conference will feature presentations, discussions, and dialogues aimed at advancing entrepreneurial ecosystems, deepening university–industry linkages, and promoting sustainable business practices.