UEW Launches ThinkGEES Project to Boost Graduate Entrepreneurship
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) School of Business, in partnership with the British Council, Afriventure Lab, and UGBS Innovation Hub, today launched the Think Graduates Entrepreneurship and Employability Training (ThinkGEES) Project, aimed at equipping students and recent graduates with the skills needed to innovate, start businesses, and secure employment.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Richard Oduro, Dean of the Department of Business, emphasized the unique opportunity the program presents. “These opportunities are rare and must be seized, especially when they come free,” Prof. Oduro said. “ThinkGEES is not only about preparing you for jobs but empowering you to create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy.” The initiative comes as Ghana seeks to address rising youth unemployment through fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The ThinkGEES Project will focus on practical skills, including effectual entrepreneurship and design thinking. Professor Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah, Vice Dean of the UEW Business School, outlined five key principles of effectual entrepreneurship: starting with available resources (“Bird-in-Hand”), determining acceptable loss (“Affordable Loss”), leveraging unexpected events (“Leveraging Contingencies”), forming strategic partnerships (“Strategic Partnerships”), and focusing on controllable factors (“Pilot-in-the-Plane”). He explained these principles empower entrepreneurs to adapt and innovate, moving beyond traditional planning methods – a concept further explored in resources from the Effectuation Institute.
Dr. Yaw Brew, speaking on Business Ideation and Design Thinking, highlighted the importance of identifying genuine needs in the market. He described Design Thinking as a human-centered approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the need to understand customer needs. Dr. Mawuko Dza, Coordinator of the UEW Innovation Hub, stated the program will closely monitor participants’ progress to ensure accountability and position them as future leaders in entrepreneurship, building on the work of organizations like the British Council in Ghana.
Officials stated the program will continue with ongoing training and mentorship, with a focus on transforming ideas into viable, sustainable ventures.
