The training formed part of the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) programme aimed at providing alternative source of livelihood to communities and protecting the environment by D.I.

The women and the youth were taught how to produce modern designs for handbags, hats and necklaces. 

Madam Dzifa Kumaga, Communications Officer for D.I, said there was the need to protect the environment, but that could not be possible if the people did not have a livelihood, adding that, "these people are already in the reed craft business so we need to train them on how to add value to it so that it can sell at a good price as we educate them not to destroy the environment".

She said the raw materials were already in the community, but the people needed to be equipped with modern design skills and assisted to register their businesses for bigger projects and contracts.

Mr. Erasmus Philip Ahorlu, Resource Person for the training, said the four-day training equipped the participants well for the job and urged them to practise constantly to master the craft.

Some trainees told Ghana News Agency they were happy about the opportunity and more importantly, empowered to protect the environment. 

The trainees were also taken through entrepreneurship, fashion accessories and export training.