The Ghana Enterprise Agency, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation’s Business in the Box project and the ChrisCares Foundation, provided start-up tools to 265 recent graduates of apprenticeship programs in Agona Swedru last Thursday.
The items, including sewing machines and hair dryers, aim to create sustainable employment opportunities, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to national development.
In his opening address, Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Evans Addison Onomah Coleman, urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the tools, emphasizing that these resources should help them become self-sufficient and generate steady income.
Madam Linda Oduro-Amoaning, Head of the Business Advisory Center for Winneba and Swedru District, described the distribution of tools as a pivotal moment in the entrepreneurial journeys of the trainees. She explained that these tools represent not only resources but symbols of empowerment, providing the essential support needed to turn their aspirations into reality.
“We express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their steadfast support of entrepreneurship in Ghana. Their vision for a prosperous nation motivates us,” she noted. “Special thanks go to the MasterCard Foundation and ChrisCares Foundation for their partnership and dedication to empowering Ghana’s youth. Together, we are building a foundation for sustainable entrepreneurship and economic resilience.”
Chris Arthur, Founder of the ChrisCares Foundation, shared that the partnership with the MasterCard Foundation’s Business in the Box project aligns with his foundation’s vision of providing skills training to youth. Mr. Arthur, who is also the NPP parliamentary candidate for Agona West, emphasized that the NPP government, under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, is committed to creating sustainable job opportunities for young people to reduce unemployment in the country.
He continued, “The NPP deserves another term to lead the country into a brighter future. With more initiatives designed to uplift Ghanaians, especially the youth, we encourage everyone to support Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 7 General Elections and all NPP parliamentary candidates, including myself, to continue this mission.”
Nana Kweku Essieni V, Regent of Agona Swedru, and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony, which marked an important step toward economic empowerment for the community.
Source: Modern Ghana
