Shanghai:Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Chinese investors to establish more factories in Ghana, aiming to boost job creation for the country's burgeoning youth population.
According to Ghana Web, during an engagement with the Chinese business community, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the need for industries to process Ghana's raw materials locally. She highlighted that without sufficient job opportunities, training young people might only lead to increased unemployment and frustration.
The Vice-President pointed out that while Ghana has technical schools and universities preparing young people for the workforce, these efforts must be complemented by industries that can absorb their skills. She particularly noted the potential in shea butter and cocoa processing, urging investors to consider the various products that could be developed from these raw materials.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also encouraged looking beyond traditional chocolate production to other cocoa-based products, such as cocoa wine. She highlighted the need to shift from merely exporting raw materials to developing them locally, which would create more jobs and diversify the job market.
Furthermore, she advocated for enhanced knowledge-sharing between Ghana and China to aid in developing Ghana's industries and better utilizing the skills of its people. The Vice-President acknowledged China's advancements in poverty reduction and expressed optimism that increased investment and cooperation would help Ghana stabilize its economy and improve economic conditions.