The University Students Association of Ghana (USAG), an umbrella body for university students in Ghana has held its flagship employment and entrepreneurship roadshow at the University of Ghana.

Under the theme, "Refining Opportunity, Equipping Tomorrow’s Workforce" the event attracted hundreds of participants from various campuses who were taken through entrepreneurship mentoring by seasoned entrepreneurs from various business backgrounds.

Representatives from the National Youth Employment Agency (NYEP), the National Entrepreneurship and Development Programme (NEIP), as well as the Ghana Enterprise Agency and the Precious Minerals and Marketing Company, took turns to address the students.

Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Seyram Alhassan interacted with the participants and encouraged them to remain focused on their goals.

In an interview after her presentation, the Dean of Students Affairs of the University of Ghana Prof. Rosina Kyerematen highlighted the importance of the programme as it will prepare participants to create their jobs and subsequently employ others.

According to her, the competition for the job market is difficult due to the high numbers of job seekers as against the fewer job openings.

Professor Rosina Kyerematen said programmes like this will equip the students with the requisite skills to do something meaningful with their lives.

She said that in developed countries governments provide a conducive environment for the private sector to create jobs.

Prof. Kyerematen stated that in Ghana, the government is rather the biggest employer, a situation which in her view should not be the case because the government’s responsibility is to create opportunities, reduce interest rates and stabilize the currency to help businesses to grow.

“We need to rethink the way we do things, the government needs to pump money into technical schools. We have been left behind because of the way were trained, creating an enabling environment for people to develop hands-on skills” said Prof Kyerematen.

Prof Kyerematen expressed worry about poor the reading habits of students which prevents them from discovering available opportunities.

She cited an example of available scholarships and financial aid sitting in the Students Financial Aid Office at the University of Ghana.

She was of the view that students of the digital age are the most blessed generation and that makes them think they are entitled to things without putting in any effort.

President of the University Students Association of Ghana, Patrick Kusi Adu disclosed that hundreds of students have received significant financial support and intensive mentorship from captains of industry.

He said about 50 students across the country have received startup capital and they are going to start various business initiatives by themselves.

The event, which is part of the USAG's long-term projects is seen as a legacy that the current executives want to leave behind.

He therefore thanked the sponsors and resource persons for making the programme, which is the maiden edition a success.