By Ewoenam Kpodo
Adzido (VR), Nov 07, GNA – Some 28 beneficiaries of the Gakpey Apprenticeship Programme (GAP), an initiative of Mr. Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta to empower the youth by equipping them with marketable skills, have graduated.
The graduation of the latest cohort of apprentices Tuesday, November 05, 2024, at Adzido followed the graduation of 40 apprentices on November 03, 2024, at Hatorgodo.
The graduation was to recognise and honour the achievements of the young men and women who had completed vocational training in trades such as welding, carpentry, dressmaking, hairdressing and auto mechanics through the GAP.
The graduands received also essential tools including sewing machines, hairdryers, carpentry planes, saws and hammers to kickstart their careers in their chosen fields.
Mr Gakpey, speaking at the GAP graduation and mini rally attended by Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, running mate to Mr John Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other party functionaries said the transformative programme had provided over 1,000 youth in the constituency with practical skills, empowering them to pursue sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
“This programme was designed to uplift and empower our youth, providing them with the tools and support needed for sustainable economic independence.”
The MP also touted his achievements in areas including education, rural electrification and health, indicating that he had through partnerships, screened about 15,000 constituents for eye conditions with about 1,500 having their conditions corrected among others.
He noted that he was able to achieve all these within the four years of his first tenure even with his party in opposition and asked the people to support the comeback of former President Mahama saying, GAP for example, aligned with NDC’s proposed national apprenticeship programme.
He said: “When he (Mr. Mahama) comes, it will even be bigger and better than this.
Also in the plan for the constituency are the dredging of the Keta Lagoon, a school of pharmacy, Keta Port and protection from the sea. When we go to the polls in December, these are what we’re voting for as a people.”
Prof Opoku-Agyemang thanked the tradespersons for using their expertise to equip the apprentices with the skills while commending the graduating apprentices for their commitment to acquire the skills.
She promised that a comeback of Mahama and his NDC government would, through people-centered policy initiatives and programmes, bring significant transformations in areas such as vocational training and skills development across the country.
Some tradespersons who spoke to Ghana News Agency (GNA) said they decided to be on the programme to support the good intentions of the MP to help train the youth in employable skills while some parents of beneficiaries thanked Mr. Gakpey and his partner tradespersons for giving meaning to the lives of young ones.
Ms. Forgive Awayigah, a GAP beneficiary told the GNA: “I am so happy, because from today I can start my dressmaking shop and people will start addressing me as ‘Madam.’ That implies being self-reliant and making meaningful contributions to society.
“I’m grateful to our MP and my Madam for the opportunity.”
GNA