By Desmond Tinana
The Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh K. Aryee, has urged Ghanaian students to embrace technology immediately if they intend to succeed in the future job market. Speaking at the 6th Annual NASAAG Conference, Awards and Start-Up Expo 2025 in Accra, he emphasised that young people who acquire digital skills today will lead the global economy in the coming years. He said the world is entering a phase where artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital finance will define work, innovation and productivity.
He highlighted the AI Africa Initiative, one of the flagship programmes facilitated by the Vanuatu Trade Commission in Ghana in partnership with the African Diaspora Central Bank. The initiative is training 11 million Africans in artificial intelligence, with the first cohort of Platinum Trainers already certified. These trainers will extend knowledge across institutions, communities and countries, ensuring that young Africans are equipped with high-income digital skills.
According to Amb. Aryee, artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future but a present force that shapes global economies. He told the student audience that the jobs of tomorrow will be created by individuals who master technology today and that failure to adapt will widen inequalities in employment and innovation. He encouraged NASAAG to work closely with the Vanuatu Trade Commission to create pathways for Ghanaian students to participate in AI training, digital work opportunities, and innovation programs that will shape Africa’s developmental future.
The Commissioner also welcomed the new Digital Assets and Digital Currency Regulatory Framework passed by the Bank of Ghana, describing it as a bold step toward preparing the country for virtual financial services, tokenised markets and blockchain-enabled commerce. He urged young entrepreneurs to build competence in digital finance to take advantage of emerging opportunities in fintech and the broader digital economy.
Prof Aryee noted that, Vanuatu remains committed to supporting Ghanaian youth through education pathways, cultural exchange, AI literacy, innovation programmes and global training opportunities. The Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana, continues to act as a bridge connecting Ghanaian students, start-ups and institutions to international opportunities in technology, trade and sustainable development.
