By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, June 25, GNA – The Centre of National Culture (CNC) has launched the 10th edition of the Christiana Carl Oparebea Annual Marketable Skills Training Programme to equip young people in the Central Region with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Established in 2017, the annual programme had become a reliable avenue for youths seeking hands-on training and pathways to economic independence.
The 2026 programme is scheduled to run from Monday, July 27 to Friday, August 21 offering instruction in beading, basic sewing, dreadlocks, macramé, facial make-up, photography, drawing and painting.
Others are fascinator making, craft production, decoration and floral arrangement, bags and sandals making, and hair braiding.
The initiative was engineered by Madam Christiana Carl Oparebea, a former Director of the Centre, who observed that many young people in the region possessed latent creative talents that could be converted into viable economic opportunities, with targeted training and support.
As the institution mandated to preserve and promote Ghana’s cultural heritage, the Centre had recognised culture and creativity as not only expressions of identity but also potent drivers of local economic development.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s edition in Cape Coast, Mr Ebenezer Nti, the Central Regional Director of CNC, touted the importance of the training, strategically designed to equip young people and women with employable, hands-on skills to improve their livelihoods for them to be economically independent.
He indicated that, as expected, many beneficiaries of the programme had gone on to establish successful businesses, created employment opportunities and contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of their communities.
“We are particularly delighted to have some former beneficiaries with us today.
“Their success stories serve as living testimony to the impact of this programme and provide inspiration as we formally launch this year’s implementation cycle,” he added.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, the guest of honour, emphasised the importance of job training for Cape Coast youth, saying practical skills and vocational education were essential to reduce unemployment and build sustainable local livelihoods.
He pledged the traditional council’s support for the programme, promising to mobilise community resources and encourage young people to participate.
The event brought together guests and stakeholders, including Justice Jacqueline Awusie, Justice of the Cape Coast High Court, Mr Emmanuel Narh Huago of the Ghana Education Service, Mr Isaac Awittor of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Health Directorate, Mr Joseph Hagan of the Youth Employment Agency, representatives of government agencies, civil society organisations and management and staff of CNC.
It also featured cultural performances by the CNC Folkloric Group.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Isaac Arkoh