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The universities have been urged to focus on training and equipping students with skills that would make them relevant to the critical needs of industry.

The Right Reverend Christopher Nyarko Andam, the Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, said they should do more to ensure that their products were adequately prepared to meet the demands of the job market.

This, he noted, was important to help tackle the rising graduate unemployment.

He was opening its 55th annual diocesan synod at the Adum Wesley Cathedral in Kumasi.

The Rt. Rev Andam said he found it quite disturbing the situation where captains of industry had questioned the degree of excellence – suitability for the job market, of graduates churned out by the universities.

That, he said, should prompt the managers of the country’s education and all stakeholders to review the curricular of the tertiary institutions to forge a stronger link between education and industry.

He also advocated increased government support for the private sector to aid its expansion and create job opportunities for the youth.

He asked that everything was done to address the challenges faced by the sector to propel its growth.

The Rt. Rev Andam encouraged the youth to take bold decisions and set up their own businesses.

He announced the establishment of an entrepreneurship development programme by the church to assist provide young people with employable skills and urged the youth to take advantage of the intervention.

He said his vision was to build a vibrant spirit-led church that was attractive and caring – a holistic ministry to promote growth and development of the congregation.

Mr. John Alexander Ackon, the Ashanti Regional Minister, praised the church for its vital contribution to the socio-economic development of the nation, citing the construction of health and education infrastructure.

He urged the clergy to lead efforts at ensuring peace during and after the November general election.

Nana Adusei Poku, the Akyempimhene, eulogized the church for its efforts at bringing progress to the society and said that should continue.