'One day, I’ll become a boss and help others' – Hannah’s promise after Agongo’s gift

A sewing machine that once seemed out of reach has given young tailoring apprentices a renewed sense of hope, with beneficiaries of businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo’s donation describing the intervention as a major step towards building independent livelihoods.

For Hannah Ofori, an apprentice at Happy Royal Creation in Oyarifa, Greater Accra, the machine represents much more than a piece of equipment. It means an end to the long waits for her turn to practise, an opportunity to improve her skills and a chance to work towards becoming an independent dressmaker.

Before receiving the machine, Hannah often struggled to complete assignments from her madam because she did not have one of her own. She had to wait for other apprentices to finish using their machines before she could continue with her work, a situation that made her training more difficult.

That challenge has now given way to optimism following the distribution of free sewing machines under a nationwide initiative by Alhaji Seidu Agongo, in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).

Expressing her gratitude, Hannah prayed for God's blessings upon the businessman, whose intervention she believes will make a significant difference in the lives of the beneficiaries.

“We are grateful to our father, Seidu Agongo. All we can say is that God should bless him, replenish him and give him double of whatever he spent because of this kind gesture,” she said.

But beyond the excitement of receiving the machine, Hannah said the gesture had inspired her to extend similar support to others when she eventually establishes her own business.

She hopes to become a successful dressmaker and, in turn, offer opportunities to people who may find themselves in the same difficult circumstances she once experienced.

“I have learnt a lot from his benevolence, so in future, when I become a boss on my own, I would like to do the same and help persons in need just as he has done for me and others here,” she added.

Another beneficiary, who identified himself as George, also shared how he initially doubted the authenticity of the communication informing him of his selection for the first phase of the programme.

Fearing that the invitation could be a scam or an attempt to get him into trouble, he initially decided not to attend. However, after discussing the message with his brother's wife, who had also received a similar notification, he was encouraged to go.

“I was scared, so when I was contacted, I decided not to go, but I mentioned it to my brother’s wife, who confirmed that she had also been contacted and encouraged me that we should go. Lo and behold, we came and it is a reality,” he said with a smile, as he stood beside his sister-in-law to express their appreciation.

For Philip, a beneficiary from Peace Land at Katamanso, the donation is expected to improve not only his work but also his family's livelihood.

“I have received my machine today and I am very much grateful to Alhaji Seidu Agongo for giving us these machines from his heart to support our work. It is going to help our family very much. Thank you. God bless you,” he said.

The beneficiaries' reactions reflect the practical importance of access to basic working equipment for people undergoing vocational training. While learning a trade provides the foundation for employment, the lack of essential tools can make it difficult for apprentices to practise consistently, build confidence and eventually establish their own businesses.

For many aspiring tailors and dressmakers, owning a sewing machine can therefore be a critical step towards turning acquired skills into a source of income.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Alhaji Seidu Agongo said his decision to support young people and vulnerable women was informed by his belief that many Ghanaians possess the talent and determination to succeed but lack the resources and opportunities to reach their potential.

“We all need kindness. Whatever your situation, I will say don't despair. I want to help everyone as much as possible. I want to live by people's happiness,” he said.

“There is room for everyone if we genuinely support each other. I have always believed in sharing, supporting and being there for everyone whenever I can.”

The initiative, which targets the distribution of 10,000 sewing machines nationwide, is being implemented in partnership with NEIP to support vulnerable women and young people in the tailoring, dressmaking and garment sectors.

More than 800 machines were distributed during the first phase, with subsequent distributions expected to extend the intervention to other beneficiaries across the country.

The partnership is intended to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and self-employment by providing beneficiaries with practical equipment to establish or expand their businesses.

For Hannah, however, the impact of the intervention goes beyond the opportunity to earn a living. Her ambition is to one day become a successful business owner who can offer another struggling apprentice the same opportunity she has received.

Her message captures the broader aspiration behind the initiative: helping people become self-reliant while inspiring them to extend a helping hand to others.