We need to focus on human resource development to secure our future - Prof Frimpong Boateng

Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, believes Ghana is not progressing. He cites the failure to utilize human resources effectively as a major issue.

He argues that practical skills should be central to Ghana’s development. “To move forward, we must add value to our resources,” he stated. He emphasized that human resources are Ghana's greatest asset. “We need to train ourselves to do necessary tasks,” he added.

In an interview with Nana Juntuah on Nhyira FM, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng stressed the importance of investment and sacrifice for growth. “We need to make sacrifices for our future,” he said. These sacrifices may not benefit us directly but will help future generations.

He noted that Ghana has about 200 tertiary institutions, with only 22 being government-run. He questioned why university graduates struggle to contribute positively to the country.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng expressed disappointment over Ghana purchasing software from abroad for digitization. He believes local universities could have developed these solutions instead.

“Universities should address our problems, but we don’t use them effectively,” he remarked. He pointed out that computer science programs could aid in digitization efforts without relying on foreign products.

He advised young people to focus on skill development rather than politics. “Currently, there are no jobs; many chase political gains instead,” he explained.

“We must train ourselves for our own benefit and for exports,” he concluded. He highlighted examples of skilled workers in Kumasi Magazine creating aluminum windows and coal pots as inspiration for self-sufficiency.