In a significant boost to youth empowerment and skills development in Kumasi, Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Minister for Education and the current Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency, has officially launched the “Make Ghana Proud Shoemakers Association” at a colorful ceremony held at Ashtown.
The event, graced by Hon. Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and other dignitaries, also marked the graduation of 35 artisans who have successfully undergone specialized technical training in shoemaking under the “Make Ghana Proud” initiative — a project founded by Dr. Opoku Prempeh to promote technical craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and local production.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering at Ashtown Christ Apostlic Church, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, affectionately known as “Napo,” emphasized the critical role of vocational and artisanal training in national development.
“We must value the hands that build as much as the minds that think. Through skills training, we are empowering our youth to become job creators and not just job seekers. Manhyia South will soon be a shining example of what skilled craftsmanship can achieve for a nation,” he stated.
The Coordinator of the Make Ghana Proud Shoemakers project, Lawyer Mina Antwi Yeboah, also commended Dr. Opoku Prempeh for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for grassroots development.
“This project is not just about today; it is about securing a future where Manhyia South becomes synonymous with quality shoemaking in Ghana. We are grateful for the foresight and support of our Member of Parliament, who believes in building from the ground up,” she remarked.
The initiative aims to establish Manhyia South as the leading shoemaking hub in Ghana within the next decade, positioning the constituency at the forefront of artisanal excellence and industrialization efforts.
Several graduating artisans, speaking at the ceremony, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Opoku Prempeh for providing them with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills that can change their lives and contribute to the local economy.
“We are thankful for the training and the encouragement. We are ready to make Manhyia South proud with the skills we have gained,” a beneficiary shared.
The launch of the shoemaking hub and the graduation of the first batch of artisans mark a major milestone in the “Make Ghana Proud” journey — a shining example of how visionary leadership, practical education, and community empowerment can drive sustainable development.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
