The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has issued a powerful call for a fundamental transformation of Ghana’s higher education system, urging universities to redesign their academic programmes to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing global economy and prepare graduates to become innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of employment opportunities.
The respected traditional leader said the future of Africa’s economic development will depend largely on the ability of universities to move beyond producing graduates who only possess academic qualifications and instead develop individuals equipped with critical thinking abilities, technological skills, entrepreneurial capacity and practical solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin made the remarks while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the investiture ceremony of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori as Vice Chancellor of Garden City University, during the institution’s 18th Congregation ceremony.
According to the Okyenhene, the significance of the occasion extended beyond the celebration of an individual academic achievement because the world is undergoing profound transformation driven by technological innovation, artificial intelligence, climate change, public health concerns, economic uncertainty and shifting employment patterns.
He argued that universities must respond to these global developments by repositioning themselves as centres of discovery, entrepreneurship, research and problem solving rather than institutions focused solely on classroom instruction and certificate acquisition.
“The significance of today’s ceremony extends beyond one individual. We are living in a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancement, artificial intelligence, climate change, public health challenges, economic uncertainty and evolving labour markets. Universities must therefore become centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, research and problem solving,” he stated.
The traditional ruler expressed concern that although many young Ghanaians possess exceptional creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial energy, numerous aspiring business owners struggle to transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises due to limited institutional support, inadequate access to resources and gaps between academic training and industry requirements.
He stressed that creating a stronger environment for entrepreneurship within universities would enable young people to convert their knowledge and ideas into businesses capable of generating wealth and employment.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin maintained that Africa’s economic future would be shaped by the quality of graduates produced by its educational institutions and their ability to confront real world challenges with innovative solutions.
He emphasised that the continent requires graduates who are not simply holders of academic certificates, but individuals who can think critically, lead ethically, create businesses and contribute meaningfully to national transformation.
“The future of jobs in Africa will depend on our ability to produce graduates who are not merely degree holders, but critical thinkers, innovators, ethical leaders and job creators,” he said.
The Okyenhene described education as one of the most valuable and sustainable investments any country can make, noting that nations achieve long term prosperity when they prioritise the development of human capital and empower citizens with knowledge and skills.
He explained that throughout his reign as a traditional leader, he has consistently supported educational advancement because he believes the progress of society depends on the intellectual and professional growth of its people.
According to him, education remains the foundation upon which successful economies, responsible leadership and sustainable development are built.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin also highlighted the personal journey of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori as an example of how education can transform lives and break barriers created by social and economic circumstances.
He noted that the Vice Chancellor’s rise from Kyebi to becoming a respected scholar and leader of a recognised university demonstrates the extraordinary ability of education to unlock human potential and create opportunities for individuals regardless of their background.
“The story of Professor Kwesi Ofori profoundly illustrates that where you are born does not determine your destiny. Education has the power to transform a young boy from Kyebi into a respected scholar, an internationally recognised academic, and now the Vice Chancellor of one of Ghana’s most respected universities,” he stated.
The Okyenhene’s remarks come at a time when governments, industries and educational institutions across Africa are increasingly debating how universities can better respond to youth unemployment, technological disruption and changing economic demands.
For Ghana, where thousands of graduates enter the labour market each year, the challenge of aligning university education with employment opportunities remains a major national conversation. Experts have repeatedly argued that stronger links between universities, industries and entrepreneurship ecosystems are essential to preparing young people for the future of work.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s message therefore represents a broader call for educational reform, urging universities to become engines of innovation and economic transformation.
As technology continues to reshape industries and redefine traditional careers, the ability of Ghana’s universities to produce adaptable, creative and solution oriented graduates may become one of the most important factors determining the country’s economic competitiveness in the decades ahead.
