By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Big Ada, March 02, GNA – Mr Ebenezer Ayiku Akuaku Anderson, the Assembly Member for the Lomobiawer Electoral Area in the Ada East District, has donated working tools to apprentices in his electoral area as part of efforts to empower young people with employable skills.
Mr Anderson presented a sewing machine to Theresa Akuaku, who recently completed a three-year dressmaking apprenticeship, and a hairdryer to Abigail Caesar, a hairdressing trainee.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), after a community engagement, the assembly member said he closely monitored apprentices who demonstrated seriousness, obedience and commitment before extending support to them.
“I gave out three hairdryers last year, a sewing machine, and also purchased plumbing tools for a young man who completed his training,” he disclosed.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at empowering the youth irrespective of their educational background.
“I always save towards these projects, and sometimes individuals who believe in my vision also support,” he added.
Mr Anderson noted that part of his seven months’ allowances recently paid to assembly members had been channeled into supporting community initiatives, including youth empowerment projects, adding that two months’ allowances received in 2025 were also partly used to procure tools for beneficiaries.
The assembly member, who is also the chairperson of the Ghana Federation of Persons with Disability (GFPD) for the area, stated that his visual impairment had not discouraged him from serving his community.
“My disability is not inability. It strengthens me to do more for my people because I know life has not been easy for everyone,” he said.
Miss Theresa Akuaku, the beneficiary of the sewing machine, expressed gratitude for the support, saying she had been uncertain about how to start her business after completing her apprenticeship.
“I had lost hope, but this support has restored my confidence to begin my own work,” she said.
Miss Abigail Caesar, who received the hairdryer, appealed to other stakeholders to assist young people who were unable to pursue formal education to achieve their dreams through skills training.
Mr Mark Ayiku Akrofi, Ada East District Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), commended the assembly member for the initiative and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment.
He said the YEA had enrolled about 105 youths into various skills training programmes and would equip them with tools upon completion. Beneficiaries, he added, received monthly allowances, including stipends for their trainers.
Mr Akrofi explained that under the Agency’s traditional modules, participants who joined the security services programme could qualify to be absorbed into the main services after two years.
“Whether educated or not, anyone with a Ghana Card can benefit from the YEA programmes,” he said, urging young people in Ada to take advantage of the opportunity.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade