The training program was spearheaded by the EKAJ Educational Fund with support from the University of Cape Coast under the theme: “Enhancing Social Cohesion among the Youth Through Skill Development.”

The capacity building workshop was aimed at equipping participants with practical tools to upgrade their technical abilities, enhance business management, and adapt to modern industry demands.

As part of the training, participants were taken through relevant areas like work efficiency, quality control and financial literacy.

Branding and strategies for scaling up small businesses are among the other areas of interest.

The workshop also stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards and customer satisfaction in today’s competitive market.

Founder and CEO of the EKAJ Educational Fund, Eric Kofi Amofa Junior, described the initiative as a catalyst for transformation, noting the positive impact on families and communities in which artisans ply their trade.

“This workshop is not just about learning a skill. It’s about igniting purpose, building confidence, and laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

In a forward-looking move, Mr. Amofa Junior encouraged the participants to establish a local artisans’ association to unify their efforts, foster collaboration, and advocate for better opportunities for all skilled workers across the municipality.

“Let’s use this as a turning point,” he urged, “to innovate, build networks, and transform our communities with the skills we already have.”

Among the 150 beneficiaries include; senior masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers and painters who are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to their apprentices.
Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem South Constituency, Kwaku Asante Boateng commended the initiative, stressing the need for an upscale to impact other artisans.

Municipal Chief Executive officer for Asante Akyem South, Maame Sarfoa Agyei and former MP for the area, Gifty Ohene Konadu were among persons who expressed delight at the event.

Other notable contributors included the immediate past CEO of the National Identification Authority, Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah and Mr. George Baah of the District Assembly Common Fund.

The University of Cape Coast through its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, and Director of the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub, Dr. Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, have expressed commitment to ensure the program is continued to benefit other artisans.

Dr. Alexander Nuer (Design Thinking and Innovation Hub/Sasakawa Group), Dr. Edmond Yeboah Nyamaah (Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management – UCC School of Business), and Mr. Sammy Korbiah Appiah (Monitoring & Evaluation Unit – Design Thinking and Innovation Hub of UCC) were among facilitators of the training program.

The University issued certificates of participation to all trainees, along with personal protective equipment such as reflective jackets and helmets from EKAJ Foundation, underscoring the importance of safety and professionalism on the job.

The EKAJ Educational Fund was established in 2023 by Mr. Eric Amofa with a seed capital of GHS100,000 to create equitable educational opportunities for brilliant but needy youth in Asante Akyem and Ghana at large.

The Fund has so far provided financial sponsorship for 15 senior high students and 10 tertiary students, according to the Founder.

It has also distributed 5,000 exercise books to needy students in all 10 SHS in Asante Akyem South, 50 bags of cement to Dampong Jubilee SHS for the construction of girls’ hostel, five ceiling fans to Kyempo Faith JHS, GHS5,000 and 20 study desks to Banso Presby SHS and provided startup tools and funding for apprenticeships for persons with disabilities (PWDs) among others.

The initiative, in partnership with the German government, through GIZ, focuses on building skills and providing valuable resources to support local craftsmanship and foster economic growth in the communities.

The Amansie Rural Bank PLC launched the Flexi Cashflow MSME Business Loan product to empower growth in the sector.

This innovative product aims to address key financial challenges, unlock growth potential and empower entrepreneurs to upscale their businesses.

Chief Executive Officer, Fredrick Kwakye Kyei, says the Bank is dedicated to empowering artisans and supporting individuals, businesses, groups, and unions in their efforts to expand and thrive.

He stated that the design and implementation of the loan are essential for creating jobs and transforming communities, noting that the interest on the loan is very low, compared to the other banks.

Mr. Fredrick Kwakye emphasized the potential of this loan product to grow in the coming years, actively fostering the development of the micro, small, and medium enterprises throughout the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Manager of the GIZ program, Cynthia Odonkor, emphasized the Flexi Cashflow Business Loan is an excellent opportunity to stimulate growth, drive innovation, and enhance business performance, which in turn will strengthen the economy.

She says GIZ is dedicated to providing artisans with the essential capital they need to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

During a ceremony at Valley View University, CEO Kofi Baah Agyepong highlighted the significance of this milestone, describing it as a “game-changer” for the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Agyepong praised the newly trained artisans, referring to them as “young game changers” who have mastered skills in 10 critical trade areas, including carpentry, beauty care, autoworks, POP, welding, glazing, electricals, painting, plumbing, and hairdressing.

“These 10,000 talented young men and women represent the first half of our ambitious goal to train 20,000 skilled professionals,” Agyepong said.

“Today, we stand on this humble ground to congratulate them as they embark on a journey that will not only transform their lives but also their families and the entire country.”

Each graduate received 3,000 cedis during the training and essential equipment and materials upon graduation to help them start their own businesses.

The YEA also launched the GhArtisan App, a platform that will allow clients to easily find and hire these certified artisans through their mobile phones.

Mr. Agyepong urged the government to incorporate these artisans into ongoing national projects, including the Agenda 111 initiative, and called for policies that prioritize employing trained and certified professionals from the YEA’s program for all government projects in their respective districts.

To the graduates, Agyepong offered words of encouragement, emphasizing that their hard work and newly acquired skills have equipped them to shape their futures and contribute significantly to the country’s development.

“Today marks the beginning of your journey—a journey that you started from humble beginnings and will carry you toward a future of endless possibilities,” he concluded.

Source: YEA

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According to him, he has had experiences with both Ghanaian and Togolese artisans but can confidently say the latter is always the best choice.

This, he explained, is because some Ghanaian artisans are not only unreliable but also cheat as well in their line of duty.

Sharing his views as to whether the Ghanaian worker is trustworthy on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Awuni indicated the local worker tries to take advantage of every given opportunity to charge high.

Unlike some Ghanaian artisans, Mr Awuni lauded these Togolese also do excellent and faster jobs.

“I personally know a Ghanaian businessman at American House, East Legon who brings in these Togolese, provide accommodation for them and they work for him when he gets any construction contract,” he said.

Against this backdrop, the journalist urged all Ghanaian artisans to up their game as these foreigners may gradually take over the industry.