NEIP CEO presents certificate to a beneficiary
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has pointed out that 5,000 head porters, popularly known as “Kayayei”, are expected to be trained through the ‘Kayayei Empowerment Programme’ before the end of the year.
The programme, initiated by Vice- President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to equip young women with the skills and resources needed to overcome poverty and achieve economic independence.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of trainees, numbering 600, the NEIP CEO noted that the initiative was designed to empower them with entrepreneurship and vocational skills.
He explained that the graduates, trained in six specialised areas, including soap and detergent making, baking, beads and jewelry making, décor, pedicure and manicure, and makeup artistry, received certificates and starter packs to help them start their businesses.
Mr. Nkansah urged them to use their new skills to shape their destinies, and inspire others. The graduates also received starter packs and a stipend of GH¢1,000 to launch their businesses.
Plans
He revealed that plans were in place to continue the programme after the commissioning of the Techiman and Kumasi hostels, which would train additional Kayayei in these cities.
Mr. Nkansah emphasised that the training programme would be extended to other districts in the country. This plan, he noted, would be geared towards engaging youths to identify relevant skills areas for their local economies.
“So, for the hundreds and thousands of youths out there who have been asking about similar opportunities, the good news is that today, through His Excellency the Vice President’s initiative, we are extending the Empowerment Programme Skills Training to all districts of the country,” he stated.
Monitoring
Touching on monitoring mechanisms, Mr. Nkansah said the evaluation team would visit trainees in the field. “We have already done so for the first cohort, and very soon we will show pictures and videos of our assistants from the first cohort who are doing very well in their respective skill areas,” he noted.
He mentioned that some were producing bags, hand fans and detergents for sale, adding that “we are helping them obtain certification from the Food and Drug Authority”.
NEIP CEO presents certificate to a beneficiary
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