{
  "id": 27706,
  "title": "‘Your degree opens the door, but your skills take you further’ – MoMo’s Makafui Mattah urges students",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/01/your-degree-opens-the-door-but-your-skills-take-you-further-momos",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-01T20:03:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/your-degree-opens-the-door-but-your-skills-take-you-further-momos-makafui-mattah-urges-students/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Makafui K. Mattah, Senior Manager for Financial Operations at MobileMoney Fintech Ltd, has emphasized the importance of practical and digital skills alongside academic qualifications for students. Speaking at the 2026 National Youth Mentorship Summit at the University of Ghana, he argued that a degree alone is insufficient to succeed in today's job market. Employers now seek problem-solvers who can demonstrate competence and deliver results, not just graduates with certificates. The job market has shifted significantly, requiring graduates to equip themselves with relevant skills aligned with modern workplace demands. Mattah urged students to focus on developing practical and digital competencies, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity. He stressed the necessity of digital literacy, regardless of the field of study, as technology will inevitably shape career paths. In addition to technical skills, he highlighted the significance of interpersonal and professional skills such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Mattah warned against the notion that unemployment is a widespread issue in Ghana, pointing out that many companies struggle to find candidates with the right blend of technical skills and professional behavior. He encouraged students to leverage free online learning platforms like the MTN Ghana Foundation Skills Academy, Coursera, Udemy, ALX, and YouTube to acquire relevant skills. Instead of merely collecting certificates, students should build capabilities and seize internship opportunities. Mattah concluded by asserting that while academic qualifications open doors, it is skills that determine long-term success. He urged students to take responsibility for shaping Ghana's future by preparing themselves today. Albert Prempeh Kusi, Founder and CEO of LEC Group, also addressed the summit, urging young people to embrace innovation and creative thinking to stay competitive. He further advised students to start investing in the capital market, even with small amounts, as a means of wealth accumulation and funding for future entrepreneurial endeavors.",
  "summary": "Senior Manager for Financial Operations at MobileMoney Fintech LTD, Makafui K. Mattah, has told students that a university degree alone is no longer enough to secure jobs in today’s economy.",
  "key_points": [
    "Practical and digital skills essential for job market success",
    "Focus on AI, big data, cybersecurity, and digital literacy",
    "Interpersonal and professional skills crucial for career advancement"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}