Fifty Graduates pass-out from STEP training

Ohwim-Amanfrom (Ash), Aug.21, GNA - The Government is determined to set up more vocational institutions and apprenticeship centres through out the country to enable the youth to acquire technical skills required for national development.

The establishment of the Skills Training and Employment Placement (STEP) Programme by the Government is, therefore, in fulfilment of its promise to produce skilled and motivated workforce needed to move the country out of poverty.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, the Ashanti Regional Minister, said this in a speech read for him at the graduation of 50 trainees at the Oasis of God Vocational Training Centre at Ohwim-Amanfrom in the Kumasi Metropolis.

They undertook training in tie and dye, batik, hairdressing and hair weaving and food processing.

Mr Boafo appealed to non-governmental organisations, Churches, and Financial Institutions to give financial support to Co-operative groups to enable them to establish or expand their businesses. Mrs Lawrencia B. Owusu-Opoku, Proprieties of the Centre, commended the Government for selecting the Centre for the STEP Programme and appealed to the youth to patronise the facility.

Mr Frank Kwabena Kankam, Project Officer of the Amansie West Rural Bank at Antoakrom, said the trainees had already organised formed co-operative societies to facilitate their acclivities.

He said financial institution had also sensitised them on how to acquire loans and said the Bank would soon support the women's groups with credit facilities to enable members to expand their ventures. Nana Tia Twum 11, Chief of Tetrem Bontefufuo in the Amansie West District, urged the graduates to set up their own businesses to help improve their livelihood.