Founder and CEO of Duapa Werkspace, Mr. Erasmus Mensah Ackon, urged Ghana’s youth to take immediate action on their business ideas during a keynote address at the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) Junior Chamber Orientation held at Takoradi Technical University.  

Speaking on the theme “Starting and Growing a New Business in / from Ghana,” Mr. Ackon challenged the notion that entrepreneurs must wait for ideal conditions before launching.  

“My message to the young people in the room was simple: you don't need the perfect plan, the perfect time, or funding you don't have yet.

You start with what's already in your hands. Who you are, what you know, and who you know,” he said.  


From Banking to Duapa Werkspace: A Method, Not Luck  

Using his own career as a case study, Ackon traced his journey from banking to software development and eventually to founding Duapa Werkspace. He emphasized that each career shift leveraged skills and networks from the previous stage.  

“Every stage was built from what the one before it gave me. That's not luck. That's a method,” he told attendees.  



Addressing Youth Unemployment  

Ackon linked his message directly to Ghana’s unemployment challenge, noting that young people represent 7 out of every 10 unemployed individuals in the country.  

“We can't wait for jobs to appear,” he said. “Some of this generation will fill the jobs. Others will have to create them, and they're more ready than they think.”  



Call to Build  

The entrepreneur expressed gratitude to the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Junior Chamber for providing the platform to engage students and young professionals.

He closed with a direct charge: “Let’s build.”  

The GNCCI Junior Chamber Orientation aims to equip tertiary students with practical insights on entrepreneurship, business development, and leadership as they prepare to enter Ghana’s economy.