The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Faculty of Management Studies has officially launched the UPSA-1000 project, an initiative designed to groom 1,000 future-ready business leaders for Ghana and the global marketplace.
The initiative set to begin September, would bring together renowned business leaders to mentor 1000 young people to set up and manage successful businesses.
The UPSA-1000 project would essentially identify and develop high-potential students and young professionals through intensive mentorship, business exposure and personal development
Launching the project, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr
George Opare-Addo said the project was in line with the government’s efforts to empower young people to create businesses that would promote economic growth.
“The government is committed to empowering the youth with sustainable jobs through entrepreneurship and initiatives such as the UPSA-1000 would go a long way to not only support government’s efforts but also drive economic development,” he said.
“We commend the UPSA and would support the project to succeed. We also encourage the youth to take advantage of this initiative to become entrepreneurs,” he stated.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, said the project would address the leadership gap within the business sector.
“This project reflects UPSA’s continued commitment to delivering professional education that extends beyond the classroom to have a direct impact on society and grooming the next generation of future leaders,”he stated.
“It is important for young people to be guided and mentored by seasoned business professionals in order to develop to become market leaders. This would go a long way to bridge the leadership gap with the business sector,” he stressed.
On his part, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Dr Ernest Mensah Abraham, explained that, the project was structured to ensure a long-term impact.
“The university is focused on leading the course when it comes to professional leadership development, hence we intend to open up the programme for not only students but youth with the university community and beyond,” he explained.
He callled on corporate Ghana and development partners to support the initiative.
“We appeal to corporate entities to come on board to support the UPSA in mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs that would serve as the first UPSA-1000 cohort. Through sponsorship and leadership content development, we are certain that the right path would be created for business growth,” he stressed.
Through UPSA-1000, he said, the University would be making a significant stride in moulding the next generation of ethical, competent and visionary business leaders.
He said, inaugural cohort would commence its programming in the forthcoming weeks, with the invaluable support of both academic and industry mentors.
Story By: Michael Abayatey
