By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Nov 18, GNA – Mr. Emmanuel Asamoah, Facility Manager of the Kayayei Empowerment Project, has announced that the programme has successfully trained more than 5,000 head porters (locally known as kayayei) in various skills to help them secure sustainable employment.
Speaking at a meeting with artisans, market women, entrepreneurs, motor riders, and members of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) in Ho, Mr. Asamoah highlighted the programme’s focus on providing vocational training to the head porters, many of whom migrated from northern Ghana to urban centres in search of better livelihoods.
He revealed that, as part of the initiative, approximately 100 female participants were trained in professional driving. These women are now equipped to operate buses across five facilities established by the Vice President in various parts of the country.
According to Mr. Asamoah, this training aims to empower the women with employable skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the transportation sector and enhance their economic independence.
“The driving training for these women marks a significant step in breaking gender barriers in the transportation industry. We are proud to see them take on roles that were previously male dominated,” he stated.
Mr. Asamoah emphasized the broader impact of the Kayayei Empowerment Project, noting that it not only provided skills training but also offered a pathway for the beneficiaries to uplift themselves and their families from poverty.
He explained that the project aimed to support the head porters in building stable careers, thereby reducing their dependence on informal and often precarious street jobs.
“This program is designed to transform the lives of the beneficiaries, helping them to achieve a better quality of life and secure a stable income,” Mr. Asamoah added.
He also assured the various identifiable groups present that their concerns would be addressed, noting that the project is committed to resolving issues faced by artisans, entrepreneurs, and other participants to ensure they can thrive in their respective fields.
Mr. Andy Kuffour, a member of the Identifiable Groups Campaign Team, also addressed the gathering, stating that the Vice President and the flagbearer of the party had tasked them with engaging directly with these groups to understand their challenges and develop practical solutions.
He noted that some of the issues raised by the participants were already included in the flagbearer’s development plans.
Additionally, Mr. Kuffour mentioned that many of the participants need startup kits to establish their own businesses, which the Vice President has already started implementing as part of his broader economic empowerment agenda.
“The Vice President is committed to ensuring that those who need startup resources to launch their businesses receive the necessary support. This initiative is part of a broader plan to promote entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance,” Mr. Kuffour explained.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting the youth and various trade groups, aiming to foster a more inclusive and resilient economy in the Volta Region and beyond.
GNA