Obo Quansah Urges Parents to Secure Shops for Apprenticeship Graduates, Donates to EbenKate Training Institute

Renowned businessman, philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OQ Movement, Mr Isaac Obo Quansah, popularly known as Nyame Atse, has appealed to parents and guardians to support their children in securing shops and suitable working spaces after completing apprenticeship training to enable them to translate their acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.

He made the appeal when he attended the 6th Graduation Ceremony of the EbenKate Training Institute at Mankessim-Anokyi in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.

The ceremony celebrated graduands who had successfully completed various apprenticeship programmes in hairdressing, beauty therapy and dressmaking under the institute, which operates in affiliation with the National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers (NABH).

Addressing the gathering, Mr Obo Quansah expressed concern about the challenges confronting many young people after completing vocational and technical training, particularly the lack of financial assistance, business premises and other logistical support needed to establish themselves professionally.

He noted that although apprenticeship institutions equip young people with practical and employable skills, the absence of appropriate working spaces often prevents graduates from putting their knowledge into practice and becoming financially independent.

“Some of our children are suffering not because they didn’t learn, but because after the training there is no shop for them to start work. EbenKate has given them the skills, but without a workshop, those skills will go to waste,” he stated.

He therefore urged parents and guardians to consider securing shops or appropriate working spaces for their children as an essential part of their responsibility in supporting their transition from apprenticeship training to self-employment.

According to him, parents do not necessarily need to provide sophisticated business premises before their children can begin their entrepreneurial journeys, adding that even modest and affordable spaces could serve as a starting point.

“I plead with you, help them to get a shop so they can start something. Even if it is a small container or a small space, let them start from there,” he appealed.

Beyond his message to parents, the OQ Movement CEO encouraged the graduands to embrace entrepreneurship, remain committed to their chosen professions and make productive use of the practical skills they had acquired.

He cautioned them against remaining idle or waiting exclusively for formal employment, stressing that vocational skills offer valuable opportunities for self-employment, income generation and business development.

“Don’t roam about for nothing. Have courage, believe in yourself, and make good use of whatever amount your parents give you. Your skill is your certificate and your capital,” he advised.

Mr Obo Quansah further urged the graduates to demonstrate determination, discipline, confidence and sound financial management as they begin their professional journeys.

He emphasised that success in entrepreneurship requires patience, hard work and the ability to build gradually, encouraging them to start with the resources available to them while remaining focused on expanding their businesses over time.

He also highlighted the importance of vocational and technical education in addressing unemployment, noting that young people who acquire practical skills can create employment opportunities for themselves, support their families and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

Donation towards hostel project

In a demonstration of his commitment to education, skills development and community advancement, Mr Isaac Obo Quansah donated 20 bags of cement and GH¢1,000 to the EbenKate Training Institute.

The donation is intended to support the construction of a hostel project at the institution, which is expected to improve its infrastructure and provide a more conducive environment for students and trainees.

His contribution forms part of his broader philanthropic efforts through the OQ Movement to support educational initiatives, empower young people and promote community development.

Celebration of skills and achievement

The 6th Graduation Ceremony of the EbenKate Training Institute brought together traditional authorities, parents and guardians, trainers, members of the National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers, as well as other stakeholders in the vocational education sector.

The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the graduands and recognise the efforts of trainers and management in equipping young people with practical skills for the world of work.

The graduates are expected to use the knowledge and expertise acquired during their training to establish themselves in their respective professions, pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.