The Atebubu-Amantin Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has presented start-up equipment to 49 artisans within the Atebubu Amantin municipality. The startup equipment was funded by the Rural Enterprises Programme, Atebubu Amantin Municipal Assembly and the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Kofi Amoakohene.
The provision of the startup equipment forms part of the interventions of the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP), under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, to support needy but promising young entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries from the municipality included auto mechanics, small engine mechanics, dressmaker, hairdressers, welders and fabricators, carpenters and auto sprayers. The rests are beekeepers and rabbit rearers.
Speaking at a short ceremony to present the equipment to the beneficiaries, Municipal Head of the Atebubu Amantin BAC, Mr Isaac Oppong, said the beneficiaries were selected after they had completed and passed their National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) examination, which is a prerequisite. He explained that in addition to passing the NVTI exams, the beneficiaries were also mandated to show commitment by securing a place to start their own businesses.
The Atebubu-Amantin Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Edward Owusu, reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating employment avenues for the citizenry, especially the youth, stressing that the Municipal Assembly, under his watch, is working feverishly towards the attainment of this objective. He urged beneficiaries to put the tools to good use by working hard in order to improve their individual well-being and that of their families.
The Member of Parliament for the Atebubu-Amantin constituency said the decision to partner REP and District Assembly in providing the startup equipment was in fulfilment of his party’s objective of making the private sector the engine of growth. He also pledged his continual support towards initiatives that will create jobs for the youth.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Government for the support and pledged put to the equipment to good use.
Representatives of the local Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI) led by its chairman Mr Asante Addo graced the occasion. The Kyidomhene of the Atebubu Traditional Area, Nana Osei Gyan Ababio II chaired the event.
Credit: Isaac Oppong/ Atebubu-Amantin BAC
