Assembly Member David Boakye Ansah of the Agyeimpra Electoral Area has called on unemployed individuals to actively utilize skills acquired through free entrepreneurship training programs, rather than allowing those already employed to capitalize on these opportunities.

His remarks come in the wake of a free entrepreneurship training session organized for the people of Abofour.

Boakye Ansah expressed concern that many unemployed individuals fail to translate their training into viable businesses, often citing a lack of financial capital as the primary obstacle.

"It is worrying to see those who are already gainfully employed utilizing skills meant to empower the unemployed, making profits at their expense," he stated.

He challenged the notion that substantial capital is required to start a business, arguing that modest investments can often be sufficient to launch a successful venture.

"I am urging all persons to always make good use of any skills they acquire through these free training sessions," Boakye Ansah emphasized.

"Don't be daunted by the perceived need for large capital before starting. Sometimes, something below Gh¢500 can help you start. Or you can solicit from somewhere, provided you take a step forward."

The assembly member made these remarks at a free entrepreneurship training event, sponsored by UK-based Ghanaian philanthropist Richard Agyare, for the residents of Abofour in the Offinso South Municipality.

Boakye Ansah, speaking on behalf of Agyare, conveyed the philanthropist's desire to improve the well-being of people within the municipality. "It is Mr Agyare's dream to see the living standards of individuals in his hometown improved, and these trainings are a step in that direction," he said.

The Assembly Member also expressed gratitude to Mr Agyare for his consistent support and revealed that it wasn't the first time Mr Agyare supported the community he hails from.

He said Agyare has been giving donations, offering skills training, paying medical bills, and renovating facilities, among others.

Highlighting the ongoing need for support, Boakye Ansah appealed to the government, philanthropists, and other well-to-do individuals to provide seed capital to enable trained individuals to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Boakye Ansah stressed the high market demand for these products, asserting that beneficiaries could generate significant income by applying their newly acquired skills.

The entrepreneurship training program, held at the Abofour Old Town Methodist Church, benefited over 200 individuals who received instruction in ten distinct skill areas.

These included soap making (both liquid and solid varieties), animal rearing, fishpond management (specifically focusing on cut fish), snail rearing, and the preparation of various organic drinks such as Sobolo, Zonkom, and ginger beverages.

The Assembly Member emphasised that these skills, if effectively utilized, could generate substantial income for the beneficiaries due to their high market demand.

Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Agyare for his ongoing support and wished him continued success so he could continue his philanthropic efforts.

They described these training opportunities as something they had long sought and pledged to put their newfound skills to use, starting with at least one or two of the ventures.

One young woman shared, "The trainers taught us very well, and everybody is okay. Now we are going to make good use of the skills we've gained, and we thank Mr Agyare for this kind gesture."

Naomi, a single mother who participated in the program, echoed this sentiment and appealed to others to follow Agyare's example by supporting their communities.

"I'm going to make good use of these skills," she said. "There are a lot of things we've been taught today, and I must confess that I am okay with all of them. I can make good use of all of them. I'm only praying to get capital. I'm also going to make sure I teach my children who were not here so that we can all put into practice and make huge profits."



Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below: