The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has urged a national shift toward valuing technical and vocational education over traditional academic routes. Speaking at the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OIC) in Accra during MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, he emphasized that Ghana’s development depends on producing more skilled tradespeople and artisans.
“Technical vocation—I will say this categorically—is where the future lies. The world doesn’t need more CEOs. It needs people who can do things with their hands,” said Mr. Blewett.
He criticized the country’s overemphasis on academic qualifications while practical skills remain scarce. Applauding institutions like OIC, he described them as foundational to national growth, offering training in trades like fashion design, electricals, and welding.
This year’s Y’ello Care campaign, themed “Connecting at the Root: Connecting Communities Through the Use of Digital Tools,” aims to bridge traditional trades with digital innovation. Blewett suggested developing a mobile app for artisans—to manage bookings, showcase services, and gain customer trust via reviews.
“Imagine an app that helps you find trusted electricians or tailors in your area. That’s how we bridge technology with hands-on skills,” he said.
He also shared a personal story to challenge the stigma surrounding technical work, stating his admiration for skilled professionals and their vital role in society.
OIC Principal Mawuli Sogbey revealed that MTN is currently supporting the sewing of 283 school uniforms for underprivileged children, handled by the OIC’s fashion department. He praised the initiative as a real-world demonstration of how vocational training can uplift communities.
Sogbey also called on society to stop viewing TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) as a second-rate option, emphasizing its blend of academic and hands-on learning and its capacity to create both entrepreneurs and skilled employees.
MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care continues to span all 16 regions, focusing on digital skills, community development, and inclusive education.
Credit: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo / NewsGhana.com.gh
