A statistics professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Atinuke Olusola Adebanji has expressed concern about the growing number of National Service Scheme (NSS) personnel who travel abroad in search of better opportunities after completing their one-year mandatory service.
Prof. Adebanji relates this tendency to Ghana’s tough business environment, which she believes prevents new graduates from launching entrepreneurial businesses.
In her remarks at the Financial Economic Seminar 2024, Professor Adebanji urged the government to take action to resolve this problem and improve the conditions that encourage entrepreneurship in the nation.
“Because they cannot thrive if the environment and the system are not conducive to what you are asking them [NSS personnel to do]. And the ball finds its way back to the families and parents.
“Will they succeed even if you invest money in it [entrepreneurship]? So when you come up here, I want my boss [Stephen Amoah] to talk about this. What steps will you take to let our children run freely in the field of entrepreneurship? because everyone is heading out. It breaks my heart that all of my National Service members are leaving for overseas. They leave Ghana quickly.”
Furthermore, if we improve their environment here, I think they’ll remain in Ghana. In response, the deputy minister of finance, Dr. Stephen Amoah, emphasized how critical it is that young people stay in Ghana and look into entrepreneurial opportunities.
“If you travel and bear with me, you will notice that many foreigners are also visiting Ghana these days. I had never seen it before. So, even when we think ours is terrible, others notice something and come.
“The Indians, Chinese, Europeans, and Americans are all on their way. If you like, go to the airport and check. Entrepreneurship is the way to improve your future and offer your fair share to the development of this country.
BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY
