By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ehi (V/R), June 06, GNA – About 200 young people, predominantly women, drawn from eight Municipal and District Assemblies in the Volta Region, have successfully completed an Occupational Skills Development Training Programme organised by the Complementary Education Agency (CEA).
The initiative is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
The beneficiaries were selected from the Ketu North, Kpando, Adaklu, Hohoe, North Tongu, South Tongu, Afadzato South and Ketu South areas and underwent intensive practical training at Ehi in the Ketu North Municipality.
The week-long programme, held on the theme: “Empowering Our Learners (Youth) Through Skills Development for Sustainable Livelihoods,” equipped participants with practical skills in the production of washing powder, hair shampoo, liquid soap, alata soap and shower gel.
Addressing participants at the closing ceremony, Mr Daniel Kwasi Ashiamah, Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency, described the event as more than a graduation ceremony.
He noted that the participants arrived with a common goal of learning new skills to improve their livelihoods and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
He said the products are not just items for household use. They represent opportunities for financial independence, entrepreneurship and dignity.
Mr Ashiamah encouraged participants to take the training seriously by practising and refining the skills acquired to establish viable businesses.
“The real work starts now. Do not wait for jobs; create them. Let the knowledge acquired here reflect in your homes, communities and bank accounts,” he advised.
He commended the female participants, who formed the majority of the trainees, for their determination and commitment.
He said empowering a woman with skills, meant empowering a household, a community and ultimately a nation.
The Executive Director expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of Ehi for hosting the programme and acknowledged the efforts of facilitators, organisers and staff who contributed to its success.
He said the initiative formed part of the broader efforts by government to tackle youth unemployment, reduce poverty and promote inclusive development across the country.
Mr Samuel Atsu Klu, Volta Regional Director of the CEA, said occupational skills development remained critical to unlocking the economic potential of the region.
Mr Klu noted that while the Volta region possessed enormous human and natural resources, sustained development would depend on equipping citizens with practical and marketable skills.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing accessible, relevant and quality occupational skills training,” he stated.
He urged participants to approach the opportunity with dedication and commitment while calling on stakeholders and development partners to continue supporting skills training initiatives.
Torgbui Bedi Ahadzi IV, Chief of Ehi-Bedikope, expressed appreciation to the Agency for selecting the community to host the programme.
He described the initiative as a fulfilment of government’s commitment to reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities for young people.
The chief encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the skills acquired responsibly and share the knowledge with others in their communities.
“This training should not end with you. Teach others what you have learnt and use the knowledge wisely for the benefit of society,” he advised.
Ms Akpene Akpabla from Logba in the Afadzato South District, who served as Course Representative, expressed gratitude to the Agency on behalf of the participants.
She said the training had empowered them with practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute to the economic wellbeing of their families.
“We are grateful for this opportunity. The skills we have acquired will help us become independent and improve our livelihoods,” she said.
She pledged the commitment of beneficiaries to making good use of the training and working hard to transform the knowledge gained into profitable ventures.
As part of efforts to support the beneficiaries to start their own businesses, participants were presented with starter packs containing essential materials and equipment required for production.
The beneficiaries are also expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to other young people in their respective municipalities and districts to expand the impact of the programme across the region.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah