DTI Launches Legacy Dialogue Series to Drive Entrepreneurship and Skills Development
The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has launched its Legacy Dialogue Series on entrepreneurship and the future of work, with a strong call for Ghana to focus on skills training, industrial growth, and job creation for the youth.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and President of DTI, Constance Swaniker, said Ghana must take urgent steps to prepare young people for the changing world of work.
She explained that the country’s future depends on how well it equips its youth with practical skills and opportunities to build businesses and create jobs.
A Call to Build the Future
Ms. Swaniker reminded the audience of the vision of Ghana’s early leaders, including Kwame Nkrumah, who pushed for industrialisation and economic independence.
She said although Ghana has made progress over the years, the country has lost focus in some areas, especially in skills development and job creation.
According to her, many young people today complete school without practical skills, making it difficult for them to find jobs or start businesses.
Youth Unemployment a Major Concern
She pointed out that a large number of young Ghanaians are not in employment, education, or training, describing the situation as a serious national challenge.
Ms. Swaniker stressed that Ghana must create thousands of jobs every year to meet the growing number of young people entering the workforce.
She added that supporting young entrepreneurs is one of the best ways to solve unemployment, as every small business can grow to create more opportunities.
Importance of Skills Training
The DTI President emphasized that technical and vocational education must be treated as a national priority. She called for increased investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and stronger support from both government and the private sector.
She urged companies to go beyond donations and work closely with training institutions by providing real industry problems for students to solve and opening doors for graduates.
New Campus to Train More Youth
Ms. Swaniker also announced that DTI has begun work on a new multi-skills campus at Berekuso. The project, when completed, will train about 3,500 students every year.
The campus will include training in areas such as welding, fabrication, electrical work, plumbing, agricultural machinery, and entrepreneurship.
She noted that the institute has already trained over 49,000 young people since it was established in 2016.
Building a Strong Industrial Economy
She called for Ghana to move away from exporting raw materials and instead focus on processing and manufacturing.
According to her, real growth will come when the country builds industries that create jobs and add value to local resources.
She also encouraged young people to take skills training seriously, stressing that there is dignity and opportunity in learning a trade.
A Message to the Youth
In her closing remarks, Ms. Swaniker told young people that they have a key role to play in building the country.
“You are the answer. The future belongs to those who build it,” she said, urging them to choose careers that create value and bring long-term benefits.
The Legacy Dialogue Series is expected to continue, bringing together leaders, experts, and young people to discuss practical ways to shape Ghana’s future workforce.
