The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment, stressing that innovative ideas are the foundation of successful businesses.
Speaking at the Youth Economic Forum 2026 held on Thursday, February 26, at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium, Prof. Mawutor said entrepreneurship remains a central pillar of the University’s vision to produce graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.
Describing the forum as a programme “so dear to my heart,” the Vice-Chancellor reiterated UPSA’s strong commitment to entrepreneurial education and practical skills development among students.
He announced that the University has introduced two compulsory courses in Fundamentals of Ethics and Introduction to Entrepreneurship, for all first-year students to strengthen character formation and entrepreneurial thinking.
According to him, the initiative forms part of UPSA’s broader strategy to equip students with the mindset and practical knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy.
“Often in this entrepreneurial journey, some of you think all you need is capital to start, but let me tell you, what you need are ideas, innovative ideas that offer real solutions to the world,” Prof. Mawutor said.
He urged students to shift their mindset about business creation, noting that the digital economy has made it possible to start and run businesses with minimal resources.
“Today, people are running businesses from their homes without owning a physical shop, so you need to change your mindset about entrepreneurship. You can start anywhere and now” he added.
Prof. Mawutor also highlighted emerging local business opportunities, citing the growing economic potential of cultural enterprises.
He noted that the government’s newly introduced Fugu Wednesday Initiative is estimated to generate more than 8 billion cedis annually and encouraged students to explore such opportunities as viable entrepreneurial ventures.
The Vice-Chancellor advised students to identify opportunities within their immediate environments and develop innovative solutions that address real societal needs.
The Youth Economic Forum 2026, organised in partnership with the Moreshet Foundation under the theme “From Potential to Prosperity: Youth Driving the Economic Transformation Agenda,” brought together hundreds of students, faculty members, and invited guests to discuss practical strategies for youth-led economic development.
Other speakers included Dr Linda Narh, Lecturer and Programme Coordinator at UPSA, who delivered a presentation on the topic “What Makes Your Product or Service Sell: Simple Marketing Skills for Small Businesses,” where she shared practical marketing insights for emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners.
As part of the programme, Dr Andrews Ayiku, a business coach and Vice Dean of the UPSA School of Graduate Studies, led the student business pitch session, providing guidance and feedback to participants as they presented innovative business ideas.
The forum provided a platform for students to interact with experienced speakers and industry practitioners who shared insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic transformation.
Participants described the programme as insightful and inspiring, noting that it provided practical guidance on how young people can translate their talents and ideas into sustainable businesses.
