Dr. Michael Kyeremanteng, currently serving as the National Deputy Secretary of the Bawumia Identifiable Group Campaign Team, recently addressed nursing students at Ho Nursing College regarding the challenges of graduate unemployment in the healthcare sector. He underscored the critical issue facing many graduates, emphasizing that the government cannot accommodate every graduate health worker into public service roles. Instead, Dr. Kyeremanteng advocated for entrepreneurship, encouraging students to consider starting their own businesses as a practical and sustainable alternative to relying solely on government employment. His message aimed to inspire students to take proactive steps towards their futures rather than waiting for government placements, which could leave them in limbo for extended periods.
Dr. Kyeremanteng emphasized the importance of private sector participation in mitigating unemployment rates, specifically in health care. He proposed that students form entrepreneurial groups to establish private health facilities, which could not only secure employment for themselves but also create job opportunities for their peers. By creating businesses that cater to local health needs, graduates could play a role in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment and contribute to the economy. His personal success in establishing health facilities both in Ghana and Europe served as a case study to illustrate the viability of entrepreneurship as a means to create sustainable jobs and reduce dependency on the public sector.
The speaker drew attention to the structure of healthcare in Europe, where private ownership is prevalent and government-operated facilities are limited. This model, according to Dr. Kyeremanteng, proves to be effective in generating stable employment and enhancing service delivery while diminishing reliance on state funding. He recognized the hurdles faced by professionals in the Ghanaian health sector, citing the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which had adversely impacted some of his own hospitals. Despite such economic challenges, he remained steadfast in his belief that entrepreneurship could offer viable solutions and pathways for recent graduates to navigate their careers successfully.
At the gathering, students voiced their frustrations regarding delayed allowance payments and difficulties in accessing funds from the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA). Dr. Kyeremanteng acknowledged these concerns, particularly the inconsistencies faced by students in receiving allowances, including significant arrears from previous months. He assured the nursing students that all necessary processes for allowance disbursement were underway and that he would personally work to expedite the payments. His commitment to address these issues demonstrated a genuine effort to support the students’ well-being and financial stability during their education.
Mr. Andy Kofi Kuffour, a fellow member of the campaign team, joined Dr. Kyeremanteng in motivating the students, stressing the importance of resilience and hard work. He highlighted how perseverance can enable individuals to surmount challenges and achieve their dreams. The interactive session proved to be a fruitful platform for discussing the realities faced by health professionals and exploring entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to traditional employment paths in the public sector.
The event resonated strongly with the attending students, who numbered over a thousand. Dr. Kyeremanteng’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship inspired many to start contemplating their career paths beyond mere government employment. His insights on sustainable job creation in the health sector served not only as a call to action but also fostered a renewed sense of determination among prospective healthcare professions. In this context, entrepreneurship emerged as a pivotal theme for ensuring security and advancement for graduates in an evolving economic landscape.
