Fifty-seven trainees of the GPHBA pass out

Kumasi, Nov 26, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, has said the Government attaches importance to the Skills Training and Employment Placement (STEP) programme to give the country's youth employable skills.

This, he said, would enable them to become economically self-supporting and contribute meaningfully towards national development.

Mr Boafo was addressing the second graduation ceremony held for 57 trainees of the Kumasi branch of the Progressive Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GPHBA) in Kumasi on Thursday after they have successfully completed a three-year training.

He urged members of the association to pay their taxes promptly to help the government in its efforts at providing social infrastructure and other facilities.

The Regional Minister urged them to perform their duties with respect and honesty to help raise the image of the association. Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, expressed concern about the high prevalent rate of HIV/AIDS in the metropolis and asked the association to educate its members on the dangers of the pandemic so as to minimise its spread.

Mr Jumah urged Ghanaians on the need to ensure peace as the country was preparing for the December 7 elections.

Nana Comfort Beverly Konadu, Ashanti Regional President of the association, disclosed that the association established in 1998, has a total membership of over 400.

She said the Business Advisory Centre of the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI) has over the years, trained members of the association on management courses, which have helped them to expand their businesses.

She appealed to the government, the financial institutions and the district assemblies to support the newly trained to set up their own businesses.

Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, New Patriotic Party candidate for the Bantama constituency parliamentary seat, stressed the need for the non-members to join the association to enable it champion the cause of its members.