The Central Regional Administrator of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Mr Seth Kwasi Aboagye, has urged Ghanaian youth to take apprenticeship programmes seriously as a pathway to acquiring practical skills, creating jobs and reducing unemployment in the country.
He made the call during the Mfantseman Trade Show, held at Mankessim on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 where artisans and beneficiaries showcased a range of products and services developed through their various skills and businesses.
Mr Aboagye expressed his appreciation to the Mfantseman artisans for their commitment and efforts in making the trade show a reality.
He said he was impressed by the quality of products displayed at the event, noting that the support provided to beneficiaries through the programme was already yielding positive results.
“I am very impressed with the products they have showcased. Our support has not been in vain,” he said.
Mr Aboagye encouraged young people to consider vocational training and apprenticeship as viable alternatives to seeking formal employment, stressing that acquiring practical skills could enable them to establish and manage their own businesses.
According to him, “the best employment you can ever have is self-employment.”
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Mastercard Foundation towards supporting individuals and creating opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship.
Call for greater focus on self-employment
The Head of the Business Resource Centre, Madam Emelia Eyeson, also encouraged participants and young people to pursue self-employment and develop sustainable businesses.
She urged individuals across various sectors to take advantage of available opportunities to acquire skills and build businesses that could improve their livelihoods and contribute to local economic development.
Madam Eyeson pledged the support of the Business Resource Centre to individuals seeking assistance with business registration, advisory services and other forms of support needed to establish and grow their enterprises.
She expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the trade show and commended the artisans and other participants for showcasing their skills, products and entrepreneurial abilities.
Beneficiaries express appreciation
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed their appreciation to the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly and the Mastercard Foundation for their support and collaboration in creating opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship.
They said the initiative had provided them with valuable opportunities to develop their skills, promote their products and explore avenues for self-employment.
The Mfantseman Trade Show brought together artisans, entrepreneurs, programme beneficiaries and other stakeholders, providing a platform for participants to exhibit their products while promoting apprenticeship, skills development and entrepreneurship among the youth.
The organisers and stakeholders expressed hope that continued collaboration would create more opportunities for young people to acquire employable skills and establish sustainable businesses.
