The New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Sekyere Afram Plains, George Akom, has called on students to begin making deliberate and purposeful career decisions that will prepare them for emerging opportunities in the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions.
Mr. Akom made the remarks during an engagement with students and staff of Tepa Senior High School, where he shared practical insights on career pathways, personal development, and the evolving global job market.
The interaction formed part of his broader commitment to mentoring young people and helping them align their academic pursuits with the demands of the rapidly changing world of work.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Akom emphasized that while education equips individuals with knowledge and life skills, the career choices people make ultimately determine how they contribute to society.
“Education prepares you for life, but the career you choose defines how you will serve the world,” he told the students, urging them to think critically about their future and the impact they hope to make.
He further advised students not to make career decisions based solely on societal pressure or popular trends, but rather to identify their purpose and develop skills that solve real-world problems.
“Future careers are built on the decisions you make today,” he said. “Do not simply follow the crowd when choosing a career. Follow your purpose. The right career is where your skills solve problems and improve lives.”
According to him, meaningful careers are those that contribute positively to society while also giving individuals a sense of fulfillment and pride. He therefore encouraged students to pursue professions that will make them valuable to their communities and relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Mr. Akom noted that the global economy is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological innovation, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital systems. As a result, he said young people must begin preparing for careers that may not yet fully exist but will shape the future workforce.
He stressed that building such readiness must start early within Ghana’s educational system, particularly at the basic education level.
“The same agenda must be pursued at the basic education level because that is the foundation upon which every child’s development is built,” he stated.
Quoting classical philosophers to underscore the importance of early education, Mr. Akom referenced Diogenes, who once stated that “the foundation of every state is the education of its youth,” and Aristotle’s assertion that “the habit formed in childhood makes all the difference.”
He explained that nurturing curiosity, discipline, creativity, and problem-solving skills during childhood would better prepare young people for the complex challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
Mr. Akom also used the visit to reconnect with former classmates and acquaintances, describing the moment as nostalgic and inspiring.
“It was refreshing to meet friends and classmates again. Such moments remind us of our shared journey and the importance of staying connected to our roots,” he said.
Beyond the career engagement session, he took time to explore other ventures within the area and observed practical applications of scientific concepts he had previously studied in theory. He noted with interest the real-world demonstration of distillation processes, a concept commonly taught in science classrooms.
According to him, such experiences highlight the importance of linking classroom learning with practical industry exposure so students can better appreciate the relevance of their studies.
Mr. Akom expressed profound gratitude to the students, teachers, and management of Tepa Senior High School for providing a platform that allowed him to interact with the young learners and share insights that could help shape their future.
He also commended his team for the effective planning and organization that made the engagement successful.
“I am grateful to my team for the arrangements made for this all-important exercise. Together we will continue to support initiatives that inspire and empower the next generation,” he noted.
Mr. Akom concluded the engagement on a hopeful and faith-driven note, encouraging the students to remain determined and confident in their aspirations.
“It shall be well,” he said. “The battle remains the Lord’s.”
His visit forms part of ongoing efforts to promote mentorship, career guidance, and youth empowerment across communities, particularly among students preparing to enter higher education and the workforce.
