Napo fights unemployment

A TOTAL of 91 people have benefited from a skills training programme in the Manhyia South Constituency in Kumasi to help them have a secured future and also contribute to the economy.

The Youth Empowerment Programme is the brainchild of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka ‘Napo’, the Manhyia South MP, with support from College of Beauty Arts and Entrepreneurship (CBAE).

The two-months intensive fully sponsored skills training programme saw the beneficiaries trained in areas such as Hair Technology, Fashion Technology and Makeup Artistry by some experts in those fields.

Significantly, the 91 beneficiaries, who were selected from all the six electoral areas in the Manhyia South Constituency, were trained in management skills and how they can register their own businesses.

Napo, who doubles as the Energy Minister, also presented startup tools and equipment to all the 91 beneficiaries so that they could be able to start their own businesses and become economically self-reliant.

In his address during the graduation ceremony of the trainees, Napo said he is determined to continue working to improve the lives of his constituents, especially the youth so that they would have a better future and live comfortable lives.

Napo, who has successfully organized similar skills training programmes in his constituency in the past to benefit his people, said another skills training programme in the constituency was in the pipeline.

“Those that were trained in Hair Technology were given items such as Washing basin, Hand dryer, Standing dryer, Steamer, Sterilizer and Tonging Set to start their own businesses and contribute to the economy.

“In the Fashion Technology, the trainees were given Cutting machine, Industrial sewing machine, Knitting machine and Industrial Iron. In the Makeup Artistry, they were presented with Makeup bags to start their own businesses.

“The Second Batch of the Skills Training is coming out and the beneficiaries would be trained in footwear manufacturing, barbering, soap and disinfectant making, among several others”, he announced.

Sam Pyne, the Kumasi Mayor, Nana Kwaku Duah, the Kokosohene, Richard Boadu GETFUND Administrator and Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah, Director General CTVET, attended the event to make it grand.

Rebecca Donkor, President of CBAE, told the trainees to “Go out and shine and make Napo proud”, adding that the Manhyia South Lawmaker has done marvelously well so he should be highly commended.

“Go and make the difference”, she admonished the trainees, urging them to be serious with their businesses. She added that the trainees would be monitored and mentored so that their businesses would flourish.