Mr Simon Osei Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, has reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to equip Ghanaian youth with requisite skills and mind-set to start their own businesses.
This, he said was the surest way for the youth to secure their future and solve the unemployment issues in the country.
He said government had invested hugely in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, to prepare and equip the youth with hands-on and entrepreneurial skills for future self-employment.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for over 200 apprentices who have completed training in vocational skills, Mr Osei Mensah pointed out that, employable skills training and entrepreneurial development were the surest way to contribute to job creation and the country’s development.
The training programme was conducted under the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the master Card Foundation Business in a Box (Biz Box) project.
The graduating youth received start-up kits made up of sewing machines, hair dryers, ovens, and gas cylinders, among others, to commence their business operations.
Mr Osei Mensah pointed out that, learning a vocation did not render some one block head or useless.
He said most countries were far developed due to skill development and training provided to their youth.
The Minister called on the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the start-up kits to start and grow their businesses to sustain themselves and their families.
Madam Kosi Yankey Ayeh, Executive Director of the GEA, said the graduating youth were among the first cohort of over 32,000 youth of which, 70 percent were women, to undergo apprenticeship mind-set and entrepreneur skills training programme to start their own business.
She said the NPP government under President Akufo Addo, had created more jobs and employment opportunities for many Ghanaian youth across the country.
She explained that the Business in a box project was an intervention by the government and Master Card Foundation, to provide skills development for the youth for them to have dignifying and fulfilling jobs.
She advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the start-up kits and employ more youth.
Nana Agyei Baafour Awuah, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Manhyia South said, skill development would help the country advance rapidly.
He said the government was committed to partnering the private sector to create more jobs for the youth.
Ms. Abigail Acheampomaa and some other beneficiaries of the project said this was the beginning of a good future for them.
They pledged to work harder and recruits other youth in their communities and train them to receive employable skills.
GNA
