GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
In a significant move, the University of Ghana (UG) has officially introduced its Internship Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Framework, aimed at establishing a structured and formalized approach to internship programs within the institution. This comprehensive 76-page document outlines a clear roadmap for integrating and prioritizing internship activities across various departments and units within the university.
The primary objective of this Internship Policy is to reduce the disparity between the skills possessed by students and graduates and the demands of the labor market. By doing so, it aims to boost the confidence of UG graduates and significantly enhance their employability.
The launch of the Internship Policy took place at the Great Hall, and the event witnessed the participation of distinguished individuals, including Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo, the Chairperson of the University Council and a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darko, the acting Head of Civil Service Ghana, and other prominent figures from within the university.
Justice Akuffo expressed her confidence in the management of the university to effectively implement this policy, ultimately achieving its intended goals. She encouraged students to make the most of their internship experiences by focusing on developing technical and interpersonal skills, emphasizing the importance of building strong professional networks in the highly competitive job market.
Professor Appiah Amfo highlighted the university’s commitment to preparing students not just for academic success but for real-world challenges. She pointed out that a lack of comprehensive documentation regarding previous internships had made it challenging to measure the value of internships in students’ holistic development and the contribution of internships to the university.
Dr. Aggrey-Darko emphasized the crucial role of internship programs in a rapidly evolving job market characterized by technological advancements and shifting workforce demands. He underlined the fact that a degree alone is no longer sufficient to excel in today’s competitive employment landscape.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, commended UG for pioneering the introduction of this internship policy in Ghana. He noted that the policy’s development was particularly timely, given the evolving public perception of internships.
The introduction of the Internship Policy at the University of Ghana is a significant step towards empowering students and graduates, bridging the skills gap, and enhancing their readiness for the demanding job market. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the employability of UG graduates and their ability to thrive in today’s fiercely competitive professional world.
