Italy to assist in sunflower production in Ashanti

The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council was seeking Italian assistance for the youth to go into sunflower production, processing and extraction of oil for export and local consumption, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a seminar on job opportunities for 150 people including graduates, tertiary, polytechnic and SSS students in Kumasi, Mr Boafo said this was an area those with "agro-based skills" could take advantage.

The Regional Minister said the seminar organised by the Liberal Studies Department of Kumasi Polytechnic was timely since the government had taken measures, which had won international support to ensure economic break through.

"There are big job opportunities available for your products on the sub-regional market under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The West African sub-region alone has over 200 million potential buyers and this is an opportunity for the youth to exploit and stop hankering for white collar jobs, which are not readily available," he said.

Mr Boafo said he would be holding discussions with District Chief Executives (DCEs) to initiate programmes to support the youth to start their businesses in the districts. Mrs Elizabeth Dwomo-Fokuo, Head of the Department advised the participants to strive to establish their businesses since Ghana needed entrepreneurs to enhance development.

Mr Vincent Atsu Midodzi, Assistant Project Officer of the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI), urged them to put their skills into practice to achieve their hopes and aspirations. Mr Francis Asare, a lecturer at the Department said, "in spite of the opportunities that abound in the world of work, many people rely on white collar jobs which many a time becomes a mirage for them".