The New Patriotic Party Parliamentary Candidate for the Bolgatanga East constituency, Mr. Silas Mathew Amoah, has provided support to over 140 youth engaged in various vocational training programs in the constituency.
Speaking exclusively to Word News after presenting start-up kits under the Ghana Enterprise Agency and Mastercard Foundation Business in a Box project, Mr. Amoah highlighted his efforts in securing this support. He applied to the Foundation through the Chief Director, Mrs. Kosi Yankey Ayeh, and received prompt approval to assist the youth in his constituency.
Mr. Amoah emphasized that the graduation of these 140 youth marks just the beginning. He plans to initiate more opportunities to support those in vocational training, helping them establish their own businesses. He believes that vocational training is a key pillar for developing the constituency and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
The beneficiaries received essential tools, including hairdryers, sewing machines, welding machines, and carpentry tools, empowering them to transform their passions into sustainable enterprises.
Madam Clementina Atiah, a seamstress, shared with Word News that the tailoring machine she received would greatly assist her. Currently, she does not own a machine, making it difficult to work on personal projects at home. With this support, she plans to set up her own shop, which will enable her to earn more money to care for her family and meet their basic needs.
Ayimbila Anafo also expressed gratitude for the welding machine he received, stating that it will help him expand his shop. Previously, he relied on a single machine that was often cumbersome to transport and prone to breakdowns.
Additionally, he noted that they received training on how to maintain their machines and strategies for raising funds to acquire other essential equipment, including savings methods like susu.
During the graduation ceremony, Madam Naomi Danwum, who spoke on behalf of Mrs. Kosi Yankey Ayeh, noted that since 2017, the Ghana Enterprise Agency has facilitated the creation of over 109,471 jobs, with an impressive 67% benefiting women.
She stated that the program honors the graduates of the Apprenticeship Entrepreneurship (A2E) program, who are now equipped to start their businesses with the support of the start-up kits. These aspiring entrepreneurs have honed valuable skills in hairdressing, baking, sewing, and welding, which will empower them to build sustainable enterprises.
Madam Danwum encouraged the beneficiaries to reach out to their Business Advisory Centres (BACS) whenever they face challenges, reminding them that their journeys are just beginning. She expressed confidence that they would use the skills and resources gained to make a meaningful impact in their communities. “It won’t always be easy, but know that your business can grow to great heights with sustained effort,” she said.
Mr. Nashiru Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Coordinator for the Business in the Box project, stated that the distribution of start-up kits marks a pivotal moment in the beneficiaries’ entrepreneurial journeys. He urged them to view the kits not just as tools, but as symbols of empowerment that provide the necessary resources to turn their dreams into reality. He emphasized that they have not only completed a program, but are embarking on a journey that will create sustainable employment opportunities, boost local economies, and contribute to the development of Ghana.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya