Artisans in the Yilo Krobo Constituency of the Eastern Region have welcomed the NDC’s proposed National Apprenticeship Training Program, expressing hope that it will address the many challenges facing their trades.
The program is part of the NDC’s broader plan to provide skill development opportunities for junior high school graduates who are unable to progress to senior high school.
The proposed initiative aims to offer free skill training, where trainers will be paid by the government through the District Assembly during the training period.
Additionally, the government will provide business start-up kits to graduates, enabling them to establish their ventures and achieve financial independence.
During a Townhall Engagement in Somanya, hosted by the NDC’s Eastern Regional Directorate of Interparty and Civil Society Relations, artisans including hairdressers, tailors, seamstresses, carpenters, beauticians, and welders expressed their concerns.
They cited rising costs of electricity, equipment, and materials as major barriers to running their businesses.
Many artisans lamented the lack of government support for a sector that provides critical skill training for unemployed youth.
They believe that John Mahama’s proposed National Apprenticeship Training Program could revitalize their industry and address the struggles they face.
Some apprentices also shared their frustrations about financial challenges, explaining that the lack of family support forces many to rely on boyfriends for financial assistance, which sometimes results in unintended pregnancies.
Kwaku Boateng, Eastern Regional Director of the NDC’s Interparty and Civil Society Organizations Relations, assured attendees that the Entrepreneurship Manifesto Policy would be implemented within the first 100 days of an NDC victory in the 2024 elections.
“When you listen to majority of their problems, it ranges from finance, to expertise and equipment. We are going to tackle all that, we have planned to implement this in the first 100 days in government. Through the National Women’s Bank we will provide seed capital for them. In our manifesto we have planned to create 750 million cedis fund to support” Said Kwaku Boateng alias Kade Boateng, Eastern Regional Director , Interparty and CSOs Relations.
Kwame Zu, a member of the NDC’s national leadership and guest speaker, emphasized that artisans would receive certification through the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) under the apprenticeship program. He also highlighted plans for a bilateral arrangement similar to one between Kenya and Germany, where artisans could be exported to Europe for work.
Hon. Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, the Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, pledged his full support for the policy.
He announced plans to allocate part of his MP’s Common Fund to create an automobile park for mechanics and a fashion center for those in the fashion industry.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
