The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari speaking at the 2023 University of Ghana Congregation Ceremony for Bsc Administration Class of 2022, said the new generation of young people will play a vital role in driving the Ghanaian economy to the next level.
According to the Deputy Governor, the current state of the global economy is characterized by a technological revolution that is transforming the way humans live, work and interact with each other. This transformation, he said, is no less evident in Ghana, where a new generation of young people is emerging as the torchbearers of the country’s economic future.
“As the world changes at an unprecedented pace, driven by technology, the challenges facing the Ghanaian workforce are significant. To succeed in this new era, the youth must gird their loins and prepare for the demands of the modern economy. This requires a mindset of adaptability and creativity.”
Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari
In recent years, the Ghanaian economy has experienced significant growth, driven by a range of factors, including an expanding middle class, increased investment in infrastructure, and a thriving private sector. However, there are still significant challenges to be addressed, including high levels of poverty and unemployment, a lack of access to education and training, and an over-reliance on a narrow range of export commodities.
To address these challenges, Dr. Opoku Afari disclosed that the Ghanaian government has embarked on a range of initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, including the implementation of a range of policies to promote private sector growth, as well as investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, ports, and power generation.
In addition, the deputy governor averred that government has also invested heavily in education and training, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
BoG Deputy Governor Admonishes Ghanaian Youth To Be Innovative
Despite these efforts, however, there is still much work to be done. The Ghanaian economy remains vulnerable to external shocks, such as fluctuations in commodity prices or changes in global economic conditions. More so, there are still significant disparities in income and opportunity, particularly between urban and rural areas.
To overcome these challenges, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari has urged the youth of Ghana to embrace the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The youth must be willing to take risks, to think outside the box, and to seek out new opportunities. They must also be prepared to work collaboratively with others, across different sectors and industries, to build new networks and relationships that can drive growth and innovation.
“The future of the Ghanaian economy is in the hands of its youth. They must rise to the challenge of the technological revolution that is sweeping the world, and they must do so with a spirit of determination, creativity, and innovation. With the right policies, investment, and support, they can transform Ghana into a thriving, dynamic, and prosperous economy that benefits all its citizens.”
Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari
