International Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Research Vol.6, No.5, pp.16-30, September 2018 ___Published by European Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org) 16 ISSN 2053-5821(Print), ISSN 2053-583X(Online) DARE TO BE ENTREPRENEURIAL: A STUDENT’S NIGHTMARE Rexford Owusu Okyireh 1 , Marijke A. Adobea Okyireh 2 , and Isaac Nyarko Adu 3 , 1 School of Business – Marketing, Procurement and Supply Chain Department University of Education, Winneba. 2 Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences, Wisconsin International University College, Ghana 3 School of Business – Human Resource Department, University of Education, Winneba. ABSTRACT: In recent past, governments have focused on developing strategies to help curb the alarming rates of unemployment especially amongst graduates of tertiary institutions in Ghana. This is as a result of the failure of students to explore opportunities owing to the challenges associated with entrepreneurial activities. In addition, the lack of proper training and intervention strategies in influencing the intention levels of students also pose a colossal task in tackling the unemployment levels in the country. A sample size of 267 was selected using the stratified and convenience sampling method for the study. Data was analysed using Structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that all the three variables: entrepreneurial attitudes, perceived support and instrumental readiness influenced entrepreneurial intentions. The findings of the study imply that when entrepreneurial attitudes are favourable as well as capital, coupled with support from a student’s network, can influence entrepreneurial intentions. Recommendations for future research are also discussed. KEYWORDS: Entrepreneurship, Start-Ups, Entrepreneurial Activity, Attitudes Towards Entrepreneurship INTRODUCTION Entrepreneurial activities have been an issue of contention over the last two decades especially with the recent increase of unemployment in Ghana (Boohene & Agyapong, 2017; Owusu- Mintah, 2014). Kakouris (2016) states that, historical roots of entrepreneurship dates back as far as the eighteenth century. It was defined as the process of bearing risk of buying of goods at certain prizes and selling at uncertain prizes (Nazir, 2012). This definition of entrepreneurship has evolved to the creation of businesses by seizing opportunities regardless of resources available (Owusu-Mintah, 2014). To emphasise this view, Metcalfe (2012) views entrepreneurship as a complex process of identifying and starting business enterprises. From the definitions stated above, entrepreneurship is viewed as a concept with different perspectives such as taking advantage of a business opportunity, managing it or adapting to competitive markets (Okyireh & Okyireh, 2017). Across the globe, especially in Africa, much attention has been drawn to this phenomenon of entrepreneurship because of the increasing rates of unemployment resulting in slow growth of the economy and other social vices (Chigunta, 2016). With the increasing unemployment rates in Ghana, there seem to be a common problem threading this phenomenon such as drop outs from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions as a result of poor performances during examinations (Etsey, 2005). This has thwarted the efforts of entrepreneurial intentions among students as a whole creating problems with the establishment of Association of Unemployed Graduates in Ghana for those who even complete tertiary education. This situation has