The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, has challenged students in the Ashanti Region to transform their talents into sustainable businesses, stressing that creativity alone is not enough to guarantee success.

Speaking at the Ashanti Arts and Enterprise Summit held at Kumasi Girls Senior High School on Saturday, June 20, 2026, Mr. Adjei urged students to embrace entrepreneurship and leverage opportunities available through government initiatives to create jobs rather than depend on them.

Addressing students, teachers, traditional leaders, and government officials, the NEIP CEO said the summit's theme, “From Talent to Enterprise,” captures the critical journey young people must undertake to convert their natural abilities into economic opportunities.

“Talent is a gift; it is that raw spark you are born with. However, talent alone is not enough. Talent is what you can do, but enterprise is how you make it sustainable, turning that spark into an engine that drives economic freedom,” he said.

Mr. Adjei highlighted NEIP's Students Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) programme, describing it as a strategic intervention designed to equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and access to funding.

According to him, the programme seeks to ensure that students leave school prepared to establish businesses and create employment opportunities rather than join the queue for jobs. He added that NEIP is strengthening innovation hubs in educational institutions to help students develop classroom ideas into viable enterprises before graduation.

The NEIP CEO also challenged the notion that some academic disciplines are more important than others, stressing that every course of study has value when effectively applied.

“There is no superior course; there is only superior execution. The real magic lies not in the name of your certificate, but in how you utilize your talent and what you learn in school,” he stated.

Mr. Adjei commended both students and teachers for actively participating in the summit and taking advantage of opportunities to showcase their creativity and innovation. He particularly praised the artistic works on display, describing them as evidence of the immense potential among young people in the Ashanti Region.

Reflecting on his personal journey, he revealed that he was a student of Osei Tutu Senior High School about two decades ago and noted that the Ashanti Regional Minister was his senior in school. He said their achievements demonstrate that determination, hard work, and perseverance can help young people attain leadership positions and excel in their chosen fields.

Mr. Adjei reaffirmed NEIP's commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and business development programmes, expressing confidence that many of the students participating in the summit would become future entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers.

He encouraged the students to continue developing their talents, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and using education as a foundation for achieving their dreams.