UGBS to Partner with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the British Council to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship
On 2nd May 2025, the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) engaged with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the British Council to discuss how universities can support the growth of young entrepreneurs for national development and explore potential collaboration. The meeting at the Dean’s office was part of ongoing efforts to get universities involved in nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Dr. Priscilla Ntriwaa Otuo, Coordinator of the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, spoke about the Hub's inception, key projects, and programmes. She said that with continued support from partners and stakeholders, UGBS is proud to lead efforts in building an entrepreneurial future for Ghana’s youth. In her presentation, Dr. Otuo shared encouraging updates on how the Hub is helping to grow startups and supporting marginalised communities through inclusive innovation.
She said, "We must find ways to bring those on the margins into spaces like this, where they can learn, share ideas, and create solutions." She added that many great business ideas are likely to come from rural and underserved areas, not just cities. Dr. Otuo also stressed that students should not only start businesses but build sustainable ones.
Fihankra ComTech Limited and Agric Mercarb shared how the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub has supported their entrepreneurial growth. Fihankra ComTech Limited is a company that develops personal security and safety innovations, products, services, and training for people. Mr. Joseph Ofori Owiredu, CEO of Fihankra ComTech Limited, shared that with a background in safety and security, they began developing technology-driven training tools that teach people how to respond during emergencies such as fire outbreaks, violent incidents, and public health crises. These digital training courses cover essential topics like fire safety, emergency first aid, and personal security, all designed to be easy to access and use.
Mr. Owiredu shared that their work has gained international recognition, with the project expanding across China, Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa. In each country, they partner with local experts to adapt the training to suit specific community needs. In Ghana, they’ve also worked closely with the Ghana Tourism Development Authority to equip both locals and visitors with life-saving knowledge and tools. He credited much of this success to the support and guidance provided by the UGBS Innovation Hub.
Ms. Janice Akwetey, Business Developer at AgriMercab, spoke about how support from the UGBS Innovation Hub and partners in agricultural innovation helped them launch their Black Soldier Fly-based agribusiness. Their company now produces Black Soldier Fly larvae, a sustainable, high-protein, and affordable alternative to traditional animal feed. At the same time, they transform organic waste from markets, farms, and factories, recycling it into something valuable. Ms. Akwetey explained that they’ve transformed over 200 tonnes of organic waste into nutritious animal feed. This not only cuts down on pollution but also offers a cost-effective solution for farmers across Ghana.
Hon. George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, commended UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub and said the government is ready to support its initiative. Hon. Opare Addo said the Ministry’s goals align with the university’s existing programmes. He stressed the need to build on what institutions like UGBS have already started rather than create new systems from scratch.
Hon. Opare Addo shared plans to transform the existing National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme into a national startup agency and launch a National Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs. This is to reduce youth involvement in betting and drug abuse. Hon. Opare Addo also explored potential partnership with the UGBS Innovation Hub on the Adwumawura Programme, which aims to create 10,000 jobs through training, funding, and mentorship.
Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, said the university is working on projects to support innovation. He shared that a new Digital Youth Hub is being set up to help students learn, create, and develop business ideas. He added that the hub will also have space for students interested in art and creativity. Prof. Asante also spoke about partnerships with the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help young people use technology to improve agriculture, fintech, health and education.
According to Mr. Nii Dodo Dodo, Country Director, British Council Ghana, the traditional university model is no longer sufficient. He believes graduates need more than just degrees, they also need hands-on experience, entrepreneurial thinking, and global connections. Mr. Dodo called for universities to play a more active role in placing students in real-world projects and environments where they can access resources, test their ideas, and create impact.
Mr. Dodo advocated for strategic partnerships, both local and international, that can offer funding, mentorship, and access to wider markets. He called for collaborations where a student at UGBS teams up with a peer from Leicester, Berlin, or California to co-create a business. Mr. Dodo noted that such cross-border collaborations can overcome trade and immigration barriers, giving student-led businesses a global advantage.