By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ehi (V/R), June 06, GNA – Mr Daniel Kwasi Ashiamah, Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), has stressed the need for education to extend beyond classroom instruction and equip individuals with practical skills that can improve livelihoods and contribute to national development.
He said education should empower people to become economically independent, create wealth, and play meaningful roles in the development of their communities and the nation.
Mr Ashiamah made the remarks at the closing ceremony of an Occupational Skills Development Training Programme (OSD) held at Ehi in the Ketu North Municipality by Complementary Education Agency (CEA).
At the training, about 200 beneficiaries from eight Municipal and District Assemblies in the Volta Region received training in the production of liquid soap, shampoo, washing powder, Alata soap and shower gel.
“At the Complementary Education Agency, we believe education must go beyond the classroom. It must empower individuals to stand on their own feet, create wealth for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to society. The skills you have acquired here are tools for economic independence and poverty reduction,” Mr Ashiamah said.
Mr Ashiamah noted that the Agency’s Occupational Skills Development Unit continued to prioritise practical, market-oriented training programmes aimed at developing entrepreneurs, job creators and community change-makers.
He urged participants not to depend solely on government employment opportunities but to utilise the skills acquired to establish their own businesses and create jobs for others.
“CEA will continue to provide training opportunities, but the responsibility now lies with you to put the skills into practice. Form groups, seek support from institutions such as the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), access small business loans, acquire raw materials and begin production,” he advised.
Mr Ashiamah cited successful examples of beneficiaries of government-supported skills programmes who had established sustainable businesses and improved their economic conditions through self-employment.
He encouraged participants to remain committed to entrepreneurship, saying it remained one of the most effective pathways to financial independence and poverty reduction.
Mr Edward Kumah Deku, the Finance and Administration Officer of the Ketu North Municipal Education Directorate, said occupational skills training remained critical to Ghana’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
He said participants had acquired valuable practical knowledge in the production of liquid soap, shampoo and powdered soap, which could be transformed into viable income-generating ventures.
“Over the past few days, participants have learned how raw materials can be transformed into useful products through skill, measurement and practice. This demonstrates the immense potential of skills development in creating employment and generating income,” he said.
Mr Deku observed that many young people were becoming increasingly frustrated with relying solely on academic qualifications in a competitive job market and stressed the importance of complementing formal education with practical skills.
“Book knowledge alone cannot drive development. We must equip our people with practical and occupational skills that enable them to transform raw materials and even waste into valuable products and economic opportunities,” he stated.
He called on the Complementary Education Agency to consider establishing industrial and vocational training centres across the country to help young people acquire employable skills and contribute to sustainable national development.
Mr Deku urged beneficiaries to continue practicing the skills acquired, maintain high standards of quality and hygiene, and transform their knowledge into profitable enterprises that would benefit their families and communities.
“You now possess a valuable skill. Continue to practice, improve and uphold quality standards. Let these skills become a source of income and a tool for positive change in your communities,” he advised.
As part of efforts to support participants to start their own businesses, beneficiaries were presented with starter packs containing basic materials and equipment needed for production.
Some participants expressed appreciation to the CEA for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and beneficial in addressing unemployment and improving livelihoods in their respective communities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah