Empowering Ghana’s Youth: How BYU MBA Students and Pathway Worldwide Are Bridging the Skills Gap
Ghana’s economy, while vibrant and growing, faces a critical challenge: youth unemployment. With an overall unemployment rate hovering around 13%, the situation for young adults aged 15 to 35 is far more dire—nearly 50% remain jobless, often trapped in the informal economy where stability and growth are scarce. Against this backdrop, Brigham Young University’s (BYU) Marriott School of Business and Pathway Worldwide have launched a transformative initiative to equip Ghanaian youth with the competitive skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s dynamic labor market.
A Two-Week Mission: From Classroom to Community
In a two-week intensive program, a team of MBA students and faculty from BYU’s Marriott School of Business traveled to Ghana to engage directly with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and young professionals. Their mission? To demystify career readiness through hands-on workshops focused on:
- Crafting Standout Resumes – Teaching participants how to highlight strengths, tailor applications, and present themselves professionally in a competitive job market.
- Mastering Job Interviews – Providing practical techniques for confidence-building, answering tough questions, and leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.
- Building Professional Networks – Guiding individuals on how to leverage connections, attend industry events, and cultivate meaningful relationships that open doors to opportunities.
Beyond these core workshops, the BYU team also partnered with Ghanaian BYU-Pathway students, a global education initiative that prepares young leaders for university studies. Through collaborative sessions and mentorship, they fostered an environment where youth could learn, grow, and feel valued—not just as students, but as future leaders and contributors to Ghana’s economy.
Reaching Over 500 Participants Across 15 Communities
The impact of this initiative was far-reaching. The BYU volunteers conducted six major events, spanning 15 different stakes (regional communities) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana. Each session drew hundreds of attendees, with over 500 individuals directly benefiting from the career development training.
But the ripple effect didn’t stop there. The BYU team also trained 132 Ghanaian volunteers, empowering them to become multipliers of knowledge. These newly equipped individuals are now equipped to share these skills with their families, friends, and communities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program’s impact.
A Personal Touch: Stories of Transformation
For Emmanuel Obbah, a Ghanaian native and BYU MBA student, this mission was deeply personal. Having returned to his homeland after years of study abroad, he saw firsthand the frustration and uncertainty many young Ghanaians face when entering the workforce.
“We try to help everyone that we receive,” Obbah shared. “It has been incredibly joyful to be part of this program and to contribute to my own country’s growth. Seeing people gain confidence and clarity about their career paths is incredibly rewarding.”
His sentiment was echoed by Elizabeth Marshall, a BYU-Pathway student in Ghana. For her, the experience wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was about feeling seen and included.
“Each time I join these activities, I hear someone calling my name,” Marshall reflected. “The people I interact with don’t just want to teach—they want to befriend me, engage with me, and make me feel like I belong here. That sense of belonging is just as important as the skills we’re learning.”
BYU’s Commitment: Faith-Driven Leadership for Lasting Change
This initiative is more than just a career workshop—it’s a testament to BYU Marriott School of Business’s philosophy of leadership. The school’s mission emphasizes faith, vision, and courage, stating:
“We value deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith gives us the capacity to envision a better future, the confidence to make that future happen, and the courage to act in the face of challenges.”
By combining business acumen with compassionate service, the BYU team is proving that meaningful change begins with empowering individuals—not just with jobs, but with the tools to build self-reliant, thriving lives.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Ghana’s Youth
The unemployment crisis in Ghana is complex, but initiatives like this prove that small, targeted efforts can create significant ripple effects. By equipping youth with marketable skills, fostering professional networks, and instilling confidence, BYU and Pathway Worldwide are laying the foundation for a new generation of self-sufficient, innovative leaders.
As Ghana continues to expand its economy and attract global investment, programs like this will be essential in ensuring that its youth are not just participants in the workforce—but its future architects.
For now, the message is clear: With the right guidance, mentorship, and opportunity, Ghana’s young professionals can turn challenges into opportunities—and build a brighter future for themselves and their country.
BYU MBA students and Ghanaian participants engage in a resume-writing workshop, learning how to present their skills effectively to potential employers.
A group of Ghanaian volunteers, trained by BYU faculty, prepare to lead their own career development sessions, ensuring the program’s impact extends beyond the initial workshops.
BYU-Pathway students in Ghana collaborate during a networking exercise, practicing how to build professional relationships that can lead to career opportunities.
Emmanuel Obbah (center), a Ghanaian BYU MBA student, speaks with local participants during a job interview preparation session, offering personalized advice.
