“Degrees alone are not enough” — Mahama prioritizes skills for growth
President John Dramani Mahama has stressed the urgent need for a shift in Ghana’s development approach, declaring that academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient to secure success in today’s fast-changing global economy.
Speaking at the Gold Award and Special Honours Presentation Ceremony of the Head of State Award Scheme, President Mahama said the country must refocus its education and employment strategies on practical skills, innovation, and adaptability.
“The global economy is evolving quickly. Degrees alone are no longer sufficient; skills, adaptability and innovation now determine success,” he stated.
He emphasized that government policy is geared toward equipping young people not just to find jobs, but to create value and drive economic transformation.
“We must equip our youth not just to seek jobs, but to be value creators,” the President said.
According to him, this vision is anchored on three core pillars: expanding technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening digital skills, and promoting values such as discipline, integrity, and leadership.
“We’re focusing on skills for productivity through an aggressive expansion of TVET and apprenticeship pathways, digital capabilities to position Ghanaian youth in the global knowledge economy, and values and discipline to ensure integrity, leadership and responsibility,” he explained.
President Mahama underscored the critical role of skills in national development, noting that while education opens doors, practical competencies are what sustain economic growth.
“If education is the key to success, then skills are the driving force of economic transformation,” he added.
