The call was made by Senior Manager for Financial Operations, Makafui K. Mattah, during the 2026 National Youth Mentorship Summit organised by Success Africa Foundation under the theme "Youth Innovation & Wealth Creation: Shaping Ghana's Future."

Addressing students, Mr. Mattah said that the modern job market had shifted beyond academic certificates, with employers increasingly seeking candidates who could solve problems, demonstrate practical experience and deliver results from day one.

He urged students to build portfolios through internships, volunteer work and personal projects while developing skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and digital literacy, describing technology as an essential part of every profession.

Mr. Mattah also stressed the importance of communication, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, teamwork and emotional intelligence, noting that while technical skills could secure employment, human skills were key to career growth and leadership.

He challenged young people to shift their focus from asking where jobs were to preparing themselves for existing opportunities by continuously upgrading their skills.

He encouraged participants to take advantage of accessible online learning platforms, including the MTN Ghana Foundation Skills Academy, alongside platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, ALX and YouTube, to earn industry-recognised certifications and strengthen their professional capabilities.

He further advised students to embrace lifelong learning, saying technological advancement would continue to reshape industries and careers, making continuous self-development essential.