A total of 274 young women have graduated from this years Ny3 Awo Kpakpa Skills Training Programme introduced three years ago by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the La Dadekotopon Constituency, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah.

They graduated from courses including catering, fashion designing, cosmetology, soap making, ice cream and beads making among others.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ms Sowah said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was committed to providing every Ghanaian with access to quality training and meaningful opportunities.

She emphasised that the NDC would ensure that Ghana became a nation where efforts met rewards and innovation thrived.

She stated that “Under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, the NDC laid a solid foundation for skills development and job creation by introducing the youth employment agency in 2015” a testimony of the party’s consistent commitment to the upliftment of Ghanaians from all walks of life.

“The Ny3 Awo Kpakpa Skills Training Programme has been recognised as a model for empowering communities and is being integrated into a larger, national framework under the next NDC government,” she said.

The MP also highlighted what the future held for training programmes stating, “While existing courses attract more women, we aim to achieve gender balance by introducing training in plumbing, electrical repairs and phone repair to provide more opportunities for men while maintaining inclusivity for women”.

She further explained, “There would be access to start-up support offering graduates the tools, mentorship and funding needed to launch successful businesses and Incorporating modern technology by updating courses to include digital skills, e-commerce strategies and global market integration.” 

Graduates

Ms Sowah urged graduates to work diligently and use the skills acquired to improve their lives and uplift the community, “The skills you have acquired represent the foundation of your journey towards self-sufficiency and success,” she said.

With two successful sessions, 274 individuals graduated this year from Ny3 Awo Kpakpa Skills Training Program in courses such as catering, dressmaking, cosmetology, soap making and beads making.

The school prefect, Iyishetu Quarshie, said in just six months, the graduates had immersed themselves in skills training, working tirelessly to advance as designers, creators and thinkers.

“Standing here, I am so proud of each of us for how far we have come in such a short period of time”.

Ms Quarshie expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Ms  Sowah, also known as Nye Awo Kpakpa, for her vision and dedication in initiating the skills training programme. According to her, the initiative had not only equipped them with invaluable skills but had also given them the confidence to step into the future with purpose and passion.

“Your leadership has transformed our lives and has given us the tools to achieve our dreams. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your commitment to empowering the youth and fostering opportunities for growth and success”, she noted.

She also thanked the tutors for sharing their knowledge and encouraging them to discover their voices. “You have taught us that true design is all about detail, intent, and passion, and your advice has been invaluable”.

Cohesive team

“And to my fellow graduates, we did it! Within six months, we evolved from classmates to a cohesive team. From working on late-night projects to acknowledging our successes, we have helped one another in crucial ways. We have learned together what it means to work at a craft that is about more than just skill it is about having an impact.

“As we step forward, let’s remember that our journey is just beginning. Skills training is a potent medium for expression, and I am confident that we all have something special to contribute. Let’s stay inspired, take risks, and make our mark”.