About 55 young women, mostly women, have started business start-ups after successful training in Obuasi under the Young Africa Works Program.
The program, designed by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Mastercard Foundation in 2019 is aimed at creating job opportunities and income generation opportunities for youth to mimic economic activities in Ghana.
Beneficiaries have successfully completed successful training and skills in cosmetology, tailoring, welding, metal making and automotive repair.
Obuasi Municipal Manager, Hon.
He said as a way to empower young people to learn trade and economic independence, the Council supports vocational students to enroll and write NVTI exams.
He praised the initiative, adding that the NPP government was committed to creating employment opportunities for the youth in Ghana. He urged the youth to use such programs.
“Similar initiatives by GEA and Mastercard with the support of the Obuasi Municipal Council are an indication that the Government is not abandoning this point in its efforts to create jobs for unemployed youth across the country. Let us continue to support government in fulfilling its promise of job creation, ”he said.
The Honorable Adansi-Bonah also urged the beneficiaries to add value to what they have learned. He commented, "before you can make a positive impact and succeed as a business owner you should add value to what you have gained through training. I also urge you to treat your customers well".
The Head of the Business Advisory Center (BAC), Obuasi, Kelvin Ofori Atta commended the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality for his great support in BAC activities and youth empowerment.
He explained that to date, a total of 771 people in Obuasi have benefited from the three components of the Young Africa Works Program namely; Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE), Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship (A2E) and MSME Business Acceleration (MBA).
In terms of Jobs created and businesses established since 2021, Mr. Ofori Atta said that to date, 295 jobs have been created and 79 new businesses have been established as a result of the many programs put together by the Ghana Enterprises Agency in Obuasi.
Chairman of the Obuasi Small Industries Association, Gabriel Dwomfour advised beneficiaries to take what they have learned, develop it and apply the best ways to market their products or businesses.
Beneficiaries who spoke to the media thanked the government and the agencies that provided them with training and start-up resources.
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