Build Capacity in Specific Fields to Break Barriers – Fatima Abubakar Urges Ghanaian Youth

The immediate past Minister for Information, Ms. Fatima Abubakar, has challenged Ghanaian youth to build specialized capacity to overcome economic barriers and rise in their chosen career paths.

Speaking at the 2025 National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) in Accra on Monday, September 22, 2025, Ms. Abubakar said youth must look beyond general knowledge and focus on specific areas where they can develop expertise.

“The reality is that in today’s competitive environment, it is not enough to know a little about everything. To break barriers and make an impact, you must specialize, build capacity in a specific sector you are passionate about, and let that skill speak for you,” she said.

She made the remarks while addressing the forum on the theme “Navigating Career Pathways: Empowering Youth to Rise through the Ranks.”

The NELEF, organized by VODEC Africa and spearheaded by its CEO, Mr. Daniel Asomani, brought together young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals to deliberate on strategies for youth empowerment, job creation, and leadership in the formal and informal sectors of Ghana’s economy.

Sharing insights from her own experience, Ms. Abubakar emphasized that integrity, discipline, and proven skills are crucial for young people seeking to climb the professional ladder.

“You must have integrity and skills that your colleagues and superiors can always vouch for. That is the foundation of career growth and sustainable business ventures,” she added.

The former Information Minister under President Akufo-Addo administration further urged young entrepreneurs to take deliberate steps in formalizing and scaling up their startups and family-owned enterprises, saying that such measures will open them to opportunities for investment and expansion.

Other eminent speakers at the forum included business leaders, youth advocates, and policymakers who highlighted innovation, leadership, and resilience as key drivers for national development.