Kumasi, Nov. 28, GNA - The Ghana Progressive Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GPHABA) has been urged to liaise with higher institutions like the polytechnics to design refresher courses that would help to improve members' skills.

Mrs Animah Wilson, Ashanti Regional Deputy Minister who made the call said such a move would enable them to be acquainted with current trends in their professions, which would help promote their growth. She gave the advice at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Progressive Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GPHABA).

She said, "We live in a fashion and competitive world and that the more knowledgeable and skilful you are, the better it will be for you as far as your business is concerned". Mrs Wilson expressed concern about the high incidence of various communicable diseases in the country and advised them to ensure good hygienic standards at their work places. This, she said, could be done by making sure that all their tools were sterilized to help achieve the national goal of reducing the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS.

Mrs Wilson also said the government recognises their contributions towards the socio-economic development of the nation and appealed to financial institutions to grant them credit facilities to expand their businesses. The Deputy Regional Minister urged them to adhere to the code of ethics of the profession to enable the association grow from strength to strength. Mrs Alima Seni, the President of the Association, said that more than 500 apprentices of the Association, who passed-out every year, were gainfully employed in the country.

She said the GPHABA, which started with membership of only 50, has now over 500 members in six districts and that plans were underway to open more branches in the remaining districts of the region. Mrs Alima said the Association often made donations to the Otumfuo Education Fund, Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre and Kumasi Cheshire Home as its contributions towards the development of such institutions. The President appealed to the members of the association to rally behind the executives to promote their welfare. Nana Serwah Amponsah, Queen of Kumawu Traditional Area, who chaired the function, advised members to have good rapport with their customers to enable their business move on at all times.