By Mohammed Balu
Gwollu (UW/R), Oct. 05, GNA – Mr Abudu Fuseini Gbene, the Sissala East District Chief Executive (DCE), has called for sustained investment in youth skills development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities to reduce youth economic vulnerability to strengthen community resilience.
He said young people without meaningful economic opportunities could become vulnerable to negative influences, including criminal activities and violent extremist networks
Mr Gbene made the call at Gwollu during the exhibition of skills and products produced by beneficiaries trained and supported under an intervention by Star Ghana Foundation and its partners.
He commended Star Ghana Foundation for its contribution to skills development and livelihood empowerment describing the exhibition as a demonstration of what young people could achieve with the right training, opportunities, and support.
The beneficiaries had acquired practical skills and knowledge, which would enable them to establish and expand their own economic activities, particularly at a time when many young people had limited access to formal employment.
“The exhibition we are witnessing today provides an opportunity for the beneficiaries to showcase what they have learnt, demonstrate their creativity and potentially connect with customers, business partners and other opportunities”, he said.
He said the district’s proximity to Burkina Faso made it critical for stakeholders to pay attention to the economic and social vulnerabilities of communities, particularly young people.
He said the District Assembly would continue to explore partnerships and opportunities that support skills development, entrepreneurship and livelihood activities and urged the beneficiaries to put the skills and knowledge acquired to good use.
Mr Moses Dramani Luri, the Chief Executive Officer of SILDEP, indicated that 750 people benefited from the project, comprising 500 females and 250 males with about 30 per cent from the Fulbe community and refugee populations at Zini in the Sissala West District.
He said that promoted diversity, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence among district residents, with the broader objective of helping prevent violent extremism.
The exhibitions included skill trades such as weaving, baking, tie-and-dye production, soap making, and other livelihood activities.
GNA
Edited by Bertha Badu-Agyei/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Mohammed Balu, GNA
Email: Mohammed.salia.gna.org.gh