Ghanaian Youth Urged to Harness Digital Economy for Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods
Ghanaian youths have been encouraged to take advantage of the rapidly expanding global digital economy to tackle unemployment and build sustainable careers through remote and freelance work.
The call was made by Dr. Vincent Opong, Chief Executive Officer of Skills Builders Academy, during the Ho Digital Conference held on Friday, October 16, 2025. The event, organised in collaboration with Skills Builders Academy, attracted more than 160 participants, including students, national service personnel, security officers, and technology enthusiasts from across the Ho Municipality.
Dr. Opong highlighted the immense potential of the global freelance economy, noting that it is projected to reach $455 billion by 2030, up from $325 billion currently. He cited platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork as key enablers of digital work opportunities.
“The freelance economy is exploding,” Dr. Opong said. “I encourage the youth to learn digital skills like social media management so they can have their share of the global market.”
He expressed concern over the persistent rise in youth unemployment despite several government interventions and urged young people to use their smartphones and laptops as tools for income generation.
“In the USA, millions are being made through social media every year. You can do the same right here in Ho if you take advantage of digital skills,” he added.
Mr. Charles Gomenu, Ho Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), reinforced Dr. Opong’s message, urging the youth to be proactive in acquiring digital competencies rather than waiting for government jobs after school.
“There are remote jobs that allow you to work from Ho for clients in the UK or the US if you have the right skills,” Mr. Gomenu said.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of local innovation hubs such as Genius IT, Node 8, and other digital centres to build global-standard digital skills. Mr. Gomenu also referenced the National Youth Policy, which prioritises digita
He revealed that plans are underway for Love Aid Foundation to collaborate with a U.S.-based partner to train unemployed graduates in Ho on digital tools and remote work opportunities.
Princess Lovia Tetteh, Executive Director of Love Aid Foundation, described the conference as a milestone in youth empowerment for the Volta Region.
“I didn’t expect such a huge turnout, but I’m glad young people showed interest,” she said. “This event was designed to help them explore and monetise digital platforms. We will make this an annual event because Ho needs this kind of awareness.”
Other speakers, including Mr. Emmanuel Zoe Agbesi, Chief Steward of Boombees Bloc Ghana, urged participants to balance technological advancement with human values.
“Technology is moving fast, but we must remember it’s people first, machines next,” he cautioned. “Know why you’re learning a skill — whether for technical mastery or awareness.”
He encouraged the youth to remain disciplined, seek mentorship, and persist in developing their talents.
“Opportunities are all around us. Life itself is about asking, seeking, and knocking until the door opens,” he advised.
Additional speakers at the conference included Godsway Kubi, Online Trust and Safety Specialist; Desmond Kitsi, Founder of Genius IT Foundation Ghana; Engr. Joshua Amegashie-Viglo, Founder of LuXuB Reality; Saviour Kwame Agbevey, CEO of Future Ready Tech Hub; and Jonathan Edem Klu, Creative Lead at Node 8.
The Ho Digital Conference forms part of wider efforts to equip the youth of the Volta Region with relevant digital skills needed to thrive in the global economy. Speakers unanimously agreed that empowering the next generation through technology is essential to reducing youth unemployment and fostering inclusive national development.
