MTN Ghana held its Business Executive Breakfast Series under the theme “Bridging the Skills Gap: Empowering Talents for the Future.”
The event, which aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders, explored ways to address the growing skills gap that threatens Ghana’s global competitiveness.
The Business Executive Breakfast Series, held in Accra at Labadi Beach Hotel, brought together industry leaders, educators, and government officials to discuss the critical issue of workforce development in Ghana, particularly in the technology sector.
The Acting Chief Human Resource Officer of MTN Ghana, Abdallah Ibrahim, emphasized the topic’s significance in his opening remarks, describing it as a pivotal conversation for both the present and future.
“We are at a crucial point in terms of skills, especially in technology, and this gap hampers our readiness to adopt new technologies. We need the right skills to support the industry’s growth, and investment in human capital is key,” he stated.
Collaboration and Policy Alignment Needed
Mr. Abdallah Ibrahim highlighted the need for greater collaboration between industry and academia to equip students with practical skills through internships and hands-on experience.
He pointed to MTN Ghana’s efforts, noting that the company had accepted over 400 interns in the past year, including international students, as part of its talent development strategy.
He stressed that industry must take the lead rather than wait for government policy to catch up, though government direction remains essential in shaping a comprehensive framework for skills development.
“We need to give students the chance to turn theory into practice, and internships play a key role in that. By the time these students graduate, they should be ready for the job market, having already gained industry experience,” Ibrahim added.
He also called for a national policy to provide clear guidance on bridging the skills gap and ensuring that the country remains competitive in the global economy.
Competitiveness through Talent Development
Chris Wulff-Caesar, Managing Director of Unilever Ghana, echoed this sentiment, urging stakeholders to focus on building talent that can compete on both local and global stages.
“The conversation about talent should not be limited to what the academic sector is or isn’t doing. It’s about how we as a nation ensure that our people are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world,” Wulff-Caesar said.
He referenced a study showing that 44% of today’s in-demand skills will become obsolete in five years, warning that Ghana must act quickly to prepare its workforce for the future.
“If we don’t start this conversation now, we risk being left behind. We have to ask ourselves, will Ghana’s talent be able to compete globally in the next five to ten years?” he quizzed.
Wulff-Caesar also highlighted the global trend of companies outsourcing talent to different countries, which poses both a challenge and an opportunity for Ghana.
He stressed that businesses and educational institutions should collaborate more closely to create learning exchanges and expose students to international best practices, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Wulff-Caesar pointed out that SMEs form the backbone of the economy but often lack the resources to attract and retain top talent.
He suggested government-led programs that provide support to SMEs in developing their workforce, including tax breaks and access to affordable capital.
“SMEs are the engine of growth for any economy, but they need the right support to thrive. We need policies that help them retain the income they generate so they can invest in their talent and grow,” he stated.
Role of Academia in Closing the Gap
Dr. Esi Ansah, Executive Director of the Centre for Leadership at Ashesi University, underscored the importance of academic institutions in the talent development equation.
She acknowledged the decline in the quality of graduates entering the workforce and called for more internships and hands-on training to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
“The quality of graduates has dropped, and we need to face that reality. But instead of assigning blame, we should focus on solutions, such as structured internships that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings,” Dr. Ansah said.
She urged businesses to see internships not as a favor to students but as a way to build their own future workforce. She also suggested creating more opportunities for students to collaborate across universities and industries, such as joint projects that solve real business problems.
Dr. Ansah added that industry involvement in talent development is essential for ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of the job market.
A Call for Ethical Leadership
A key theme that emerged during the discussion was the need for ethical leadership in all sectors, especially as Ghana moves toward a more technology-driven economy.
Dr. Ansah highlighted the danger of having talented individuals without a strong ethical foundation, stating that ethical leadership is crucial for building trust and ensuring long-term success in both business and government.
“The most dangerous person today is highly skilled, and has access to resources and technology, but lacks ethics. We need to invest in ethical leadership if we want to create a sustainable future,” she warned.
SMEs and the Skills Gap
The panel also discussed the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth and how they too must focus on talent development.
The panelists concluded that while government policies are important, the industry must take the initiative to invest in reskilling, upskilling, and building a talent pipeline that can drive Ghana’s future growth. Ethical leadership, collaboration, and practical experience for students were identified as key areas where immediate action could yield significant long-term benefits.
MTN Ghana’s Business Executive Breakfast Series highlighted the urgent need for concerted efforts to bridge the skills gap, with a focus on empowering talent to meet the challenges of the future.
