Stakeholders in the Volta Region are calling for greater investment in financial literacy and entrepreneurial education to equip young people with the skills needed to become economically independent.

They say that although young people are increasingly encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship, many lack the financial management and  business skills required to establish, manage, and sustain successful enterprises.

The call was made during the presentation of about 5,000 coconut seedlings to young people in the Akatsi South Municipality to support them to venture into agriculture and develop sustainable livelihoods.

Businessman John Paul Semavor told Channel One  News that efforts to encourage young people to start businesses must go hand in hand with financial education.

“We must not only encourage the youth to venture into entrepreneurship. We also need to give them the financial education they need to manage their resources and sustain the businesses they establish,” he said.

The Paramount Chief of the Avenor Traditional Area, Torgbuiga Dorglo Anumah VI, also stressed the importance of equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills before they venture into entrepreneurship.

“If we want the youth to succeed in entrepreneurship, we must first equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Giving them resources without the capacity to manage them will not guarantee sustainable businesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Atidefe Foundation, Thomas Yao Atidefe, said the Volta Region had made significant progress in agriculture but required further investment to harness the potential of the youth.

“There has been significant growth in the agricultural sector in the region, but government must continue to invest in the youth. When we give young people the right support, resources and opportunities, we can unlock their potential and create sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

Mr Atidefe said initiatives that provide young people with practical opportunities in agriculture and entrepreneurship could also contribute to job creation and economic development in the region.