By Bright Ntramah
President Akufo-Addo has highlighted the vital importance of collaboration between Universities, industry, and the government as a cornerstone for national development.
Addressing the 3rd Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG 2024), held in Sunyani, the President stressed that this tripartite partnership is essential for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The conference, themed “University, Industry, and Government Partnership for Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship for National Development,” provided a platform for discussing how these sectors can work together to address contemporary challenges and leverage opportunities for economic growth.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo underscored the pivotal role of technical universities in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He emphasised that these institutions should serve as breeding grounds for new ideas, incubators for young talent, and laboratories for technological advancements.
President Akufo-Addo lauded the transformative impact of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) on Ghana’s entrepreneurship landscape. The president detailed the successes of NEIP and its contributions to reducing youth unemployment and stimulating economic growth. Launched in 2017, NEIP has been a cornerstone initiative aimed at advancing entrepreneurship and innovation in Ghana.
The programme provides critical support to start-ups through funding, training, and mentorship.
President Akufo-Addo noted that NEIP has significantly impacted Ghana’s start-up ecosystem, leading to the emergence of numerous innovative businesses across various sectors.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to advancing STEM education in Ghana.