Lower Manya Krobo MP launches apprenticeship hubs to boost youth employment

Correspondence from Eastern Region

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya Krobo, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has officially launched a series of Apprenticeship and Skills Development Centres across his constituency.

The initiative, which focuses on a dedicated Dressmaking Module, aims to bridge the gap between vocational training and financial independence for local youth. The centers were established in Kpong, Akuse, and Odumase over the weekend.



The launch comes after Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi observed a recurring challenge following his donation of over 100 sewing machines to apprentices last year.

While the gesture was intended to jump-start their careers, the MP noted that many beneficiaries struggled to set up their own shops due to a lack of start-up capital.

Furthermore, he observed that some recipients lacked the necessary workspace, leading to donated equipment sitting idle.

“This initiative is aimed at empowering young people who have successfully completed various vocational training and are struggling to find an avenue to ply their trade,” Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi explained during the launch.

The newly established centers are designed to operate as professional hubs. Each of the three facilities is equipped with 50 sewing and knitting machines.

To remove financial barriers to entry, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has committed to covering all operational costs, including electricity and water bills for the facilities.

The MP encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the centers as a springboard. "Whatever income is generated by each individual should be saved and eventually used to open their own shops going forward," he advised.

Looking ahead, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi revealed that plans are in advanced stages to roll out similar training centers for hairdressers and specialists in pedicures and manicures. He noted that the primary hurdle to this expansion is currently limited space, and he is actively scouting for suitable locations to house these additional vocational facilities.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the MP, describing the initiative as a major intervention for their livelihoods. Many promised to maintain the machines with the utmost care, ensuring the equipment remains in good condition for all to use.

By providing these essential resources, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi’s initiative signals a shift from mere material donation to creating sustainable, self-reliant economic ecosystems for the youth in Lower Manya Krobo.