Professor (Dr. Dr. Dr.) Joseph Kwasi Agyemang, an Extraordinary Professor at the College of Accounting Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the first person globally to earn three distinct PhDs in accounting, has pointed to several critical factors contributing to the declining interest in business programs at senior high schools (SHS) in Ghana. Key among these factors are economic challenges, evolving perceptions of business careers, and the emergence of alternative career paths. He indicates that contemporary students are increasingly drawn to professions outside of traditional business realms, motivated by a quest for meaningful work and the desire to acquire a broader skill set. Additionally, Professor Agyemang notes the shifting expectations of employers, who are now favoring candidates equipped with comprehensive competencies rather than solely business acumen.
Another significant dimension of the changing landscape of business education in Ghana is the role of technology. Professor Agyemang observes that technological advancements are influencing student preferences regarding their educational journeys. The rise of online learning platforms, coupled with the incorporation of technology into school curricula, is altering how students interact with and perceive business education. This shift highlights how digital tools can create more engaging and flexible learning environments, but they also signal a departure from traditional methods of instruction, which may not align well with the changing interests and needs of today’s youth.
Moreover, Professor Agyemang critiques the limited educational pathways available for SHS business students in Ghana. He points out that despite a robust grounding in subjects such as basic contract and company law, many students face barriers to pursuing advanced degrees in fields like Law or Nursing. His contention is that business students, despite their preparedness, are often overlooked when it comes to admission into these professional programs. He argues that in many advanced countries, high school graduates have the freedom to pursue higher education in any field, regardless of their prior specialization, and he urges Ghana to adopt a similar approach.
Furthermore, he underscores the challenges faced by SHS business graduates who aspire to enter fields like education and healthcare. Key hindrances include inadequate specialized curricula, scarcity of resources, and perceptions that these educational tracks are of a lower quality compared to traditional business schools. Professor Agyemang expresses concern that these limitations can hinder students from acquiring the essential skills and knowledge required for success in the dynamic business environment, restricting their potential for growth and development.
The repercussions of diminished quality and accessibility of business education in Ghana could have severe implications for national development. Professor Agyemang warns that a decline in business education might lead to a workforce lacking in critical skills, negatively affecting the overall competence of professionals across various sectors. This inadequacy may cause financial mismanagement and inefficiencies, ultimately hampering business growth and sustainability. He stresses that neglecting business education could stifle innovation, elevate unemployment, and exacerbate the brain drain phenomenon, where talented individuals seek better prospects abroad.
In light of these challenges, Professor Agyemang offers several recommendations to enhance the appeal of business education in Ghana. He emphasizes the need for robust career guidance and placement services to help students identify their strengths and align their career paths with available opportunities. He advocates for the implementation of internships to provide practical experiences that bolster employability. Furthermore, he calls for integrating cross-disciplinary courses into business education to prepare students for versatile career options. Building partnerships with institutions and corporations to facilitate access to internships, industry events, and job opportunities is also crucial to foster greater engagement between students and the professional world, enhancing the relevance of business education within the broader economic context.
