Fifty-four young people in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region have completed training in ginger processing and fashion design under the GEA/BADEA Entrepreneurship Programme.
The programme was implemented by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in collaboration with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Bank of Ghana.
Madam Juliana Bemah Adubofour, Director of Women Entrepreneurship Development at GEA, said the initiative was designed to equip youth between the ages of 18 and 35 with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
She explained that the Agency remained committed to developing and expanding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country through targeted capacity-building programmes.
According to her, the training was structured to enable beneficiaries to establish their own businesses and become self-reliant.
“From our assessment, the trainees have acquired impressive skills that can support them to start and grow their own enterprises,” Madam Adubofour said.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained, set up their businesses and create employment opportunities within their communities.
Madam Adubofour disclosed that additional training in digital marketing would be organised to help participants broaden their market reach beyond Hohoe and improve their competitiveness.
Mr Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Member of Parliament for Hohoe Constituency, said government could not absorb all job seekers into the public sector, hence the strategic focus on entrepreneurship development.
He noted that strengthening the local economy required sustained investment in entrepreneurial skills, particularly for the youth.
Mr Tsekpo announced that plans were far advanced for the establishment of a ginger factory in the constituency, which would create further opportunities in production, processing and marketing.
He commended the GEA for implementing the programme and praised the participants for their commitment.
Mr Prosper Kumi, the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, said unemployment in the area would decline significantly if beneficiaries effectively utilised the skills acquired.
He stressed that although government is committed to supporting businesses, the ultimate success of such interventions depended on the dedication and innovation of beneficiaries.
Mr Kumi urged the trainees to add value to their products and services, maintain professionalism and honour deadlines to build credible brands.
Some of the ginger-based products produced during the training included ginger powder, ginger cake and ginger drink.
