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TVET, cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation —Kennedy Agyapong
A prominent businessman and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has called for a national shift toward technical and vocational education.
According to him, that forms the cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation.
Speaking as the Special Guest at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mr Agyapong made a passionate case for hands-on training, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial discipline among the youth.
“The perception that only weak students attend technical and vocational schools is wrong. Those who look down on such institutions have misplaced priorities,” he declared to a packed auditorium. “The future of Ghana depends on technical and vocational education (TVET). That’s where the real development lies.”
Mr Agyapong extended an open invitation to AAMUSTED authorities to send students to his steel manufacturing plants for practical training as part of a broader initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
His address formed a key highlight of the entrepreneurial summit themed “Building Blocks: Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success,” organised by the university’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC).
Drawing from personal experiences and setbacks, Mr Agyapong urged students to embrace financial prudence, respect for workers, and a relentless drive for quality and innovation.
“Most students graduate and expect office jobs but the world doesn’t work like that. Life is not easy. You must take initiative.”
Backing Mr Agyapong’s stance, Nhyieaso MP and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Stephen Amoah, lauded the businessman’s leadership qualities and endorsed his political viability.
Addressing the students, Dr Amoah stressed that honesty, integrity, and practical skills are non-negotiable traits for sustainable success.
In his remarks, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Albert Boateng reaffirmed AAMUSTED’s commitment to technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education as a pathway to job creation and industrialisation.
SRC President David Akuetteh Octhere described the summit as a transformative platform for students to gain inspiration and clarity in their career paths.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
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President Mahama thanks Ghanaians for support after helicopter crash tragedy
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government have expressed deep gratitude to Ghanaians and the international community for the support shown following the helicopter crash of August 6, which claimed eight lives, including two ministers of state.
In a message issued by the Presidency on Monday, the President said the nation was moved by the outpouring of condolences, solidarity, and practical assistance offered during the period of mourning.
He noted that the sympathy messages, attendance at the state funeral, and acts of kindness towards the bereaved families brought comfort in a difficult time.
The statement commended individuals, security personnel, and corporate organisations that worked to ensure that the victims were given what it described as a “dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial.”
“As we return to the duties of resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want, let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
The President in the statement prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Following the conclusion of the state funeral and the burial of all eight victims, the Chief of Staff has directed that flags at public buildings, which had been flown at half-mast in mourning, be restored to full mast with immediate effect.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
President Mahama grants 998 prisoners amnesty
President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country.
The gesture is upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in Accra yesterday said the number is out of a total of 1,014 recommended.
Per the statement, 87 persons who were sentenced to death will now be commuted to life imprisonment whiles 51 prisoners who were on life sentence will now have to serve 20 years.
First time offenders to be granted pardon are 787, seriously ill, 33, over 70 years irrespective of offence 36, nursing mothers, 2 and petitions, 2.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
