United Civil Society Organisations for National Development (UCSOND) in partnership with the Ellembelle District Assembly, has organised an Nzema Business Forum and Exhibition.
The one-day event that brought together exhibitors, mostly People with Disabilities (PWDs), was on the theme: “Promoting Local Businesses of PWDs, Youth and Women-The Role of Financial Institutions, State Agencies and the MMDAs”.
The District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Mr Kwasi Bonzo, said the assembly in collaboration with stakeholders was working to mitigate the suffering of PWDs, women and the youth.
He said empowering them with employable skills would prevent them from being a burden to their families.
Mr Bonzo said the beneficiaries were taught leather works (shoe making), pastries, soap and detergent making, dress making, hair dressing and welding and fabrication.
He said they received start up kits and money, adding that “we have to help these people to access loans to expand their businesses”.
The Executive Director of UCSOND, Mr Wisdom Quaiku, said with the discovery of oil and gas in the Western Region, his outfit planned to assist the indigenes acquire skills to be able to work in oil and gas companies.
He said UCSOND operated in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Effia-Kwesimintim Municipality, Nzema East, Jomoro, Ellembelle, Shama, Wassa Amenfi East and Ahanta West districts.
He said the support given to the PWDs, women and the youth would reduce unemployment in the country, and bring relief to their families.
Mr Quaiku said UCSOND would continue to work with the European Union, Christian Aid, Growing Economic Opportunities for Sustainable Development (GEOP), the Ghana Institute of Welders and the Kikam Technical Institute to assist the needy.
The Project Officer of the GEOP Project, Miss Josephine Ahu Ackah, said 175 women, 72 PWDs, 30 youth and 50 aquaculture groups have been trained in soap making, fish farming, fish pond management, beads making, sandals and shoes manufacturing, dress making and hair dressing.
Personnel from the Business Advisory Centre, the financial institutions, the Chamber of Commerce, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) educated participants on business transactions.
FROM PETER GBAMBILA, ESIAMA
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