Professor Franklyn Manu, Board Chairman of the MTN Ghana Foundation, has called for stronger investments in technology as a key driver of Ghana’s economic transformation and youth development.
Speaking at the Foundation’s “Bright Conversations” series with media and stakeholders, Professor Manu stressed that investment in technology must extend beyond companies to government institutions, industries, and schools.
He said equipping schools with modern digital tools would empower students with relevant skills to thrive in the fast-evolving technology landscape.
He noted that many young people in Ghana still lacked the technological know-how required for today’s job market, making targeted training and digital inclusion programmes essential to reduce unemployment and enhance employability.
“Youth unemployment is a serious national challenge,” he said, urging immediate interventions to provide young people with productive opportunities.
He warned that without alternatives, many were likely to resort to illegal mining, or “galamsey,” which not only posed environmental risks but also reflected deeper economic concerns.
Professor Manu advised young people to take pride in building careers, remain honest and hardworking, and take charge of their own future through continuous learning.
He further emphasized the need for a consistent national strategy to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth, saying that technology-driven empowerment was one of the surest ways to curb unemployment and build resilience in the economy.
Established in 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation leads the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes with a focus on health, education, and economic empowerment. Its initiatives have supported infrastructure development, scholarship schemes, and entrepreneurship projects across the country.
