Businesses must help tackle youth unemployment — Nokware CEO

The Chief Executive Officer of Nokware Frozen Foods, Onur Ozer, has called on businesses and investors to prioritise investments capable of creating meaningful employment opportunities for Ghana’s growing youth population.

According to Mr. Ozer, while individual businesses contribute to economic activity, greater attention should be given to ventures that can employ more people and provide opportunities for young people to acquire skills and gain work experience.

He said the government alone could not absorb all young people seeking employment, making it necessary for the private sector to play a stronger role in job creation.

Mr. Ozer also urged the government to continue creating a conducive business environment capable of attracting and retaining investors whose activities could contribute to employment and economic growth.

He made the remarks during the commissioning of a new facility operated by Nokware Frozen Foods, which he said forms part of efforts to contribute to employment creation while supporting activities within Ghana’s food distribution chain.

“We believe businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the communities in which they operate. Our focus is not only on running a successful business but also on creating opportunities for young people to work, learn and develop themselves,” Mr. Ozer said.

He indicated that the company would consider expanding its operations as demand grows, a development which could create additional employment and skills-development opportunities.

Mr. Ozer said the company would continue to explore opportunities to expand its operations and contribute to the wider Ghanaian economy.

The Quality Control Manager of Nokware Frozen Foods, Muhsina, said maintaining appropriate standards in the handling, storage and preservation of frozen food would remain an important part of the company’s operations.

She explained that effective quality-control measures were necessary to protect consumers and ensure that frozen food products were handled and preserved under suitable conditions throughout the supply and distribution process.

According to her, the expansion of the facility could also generate employment opportunities in areas such as storage, logistics, distribution, administration and other support services.

The Barebare Chief of Ga Central, Sarki Ahmed Tijjani Dan Salley commended the Chief Executive Officer of Nokware Frozen Foods, Onur Ozer, for commissioning the facility, describing it as a timely intervention amid continuing concerns over employment opportunities for young people in Ghana.

He said private-sector participation in job creation was an important part of efforts to expand employment opportunities beyond direct government recruitment, adding that the initiative by the CEO of Nokware Frozen Foods deserved commendation.

Sarki Dan Salley noted that the establishment of the facility would add another operator to the local food-supply chain, while its potential expansion could create employment and skills-development opportunities for young people in Tema and surrounding communities.