The Local Enterprises and Skills Development Programme (LESDEP), on Monday presented a variety of start-up kits and equipment to 1,007 beneficiaries of the Programme in the Ashanti Region at a ceremony held at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi. The items included hair dryers, beauty care machines and products, computer and mobile phone repairing machines, food processors, ovens, block-making machines, hand sewing and embroidery machines, as well as multi-purpose three-wheelers. The beneficiaries, drawn from some Districts in the Region, underwent training in various modules such as agriculture and agro-processing, welding and fabrication, construction, catering services, beauty care, Information Technology (IT), fashion, transport as well as mobile phone and laptop repairs. Mr. Adem Gariba, National Coordinator of LESDEP, indicated that the Programme sought to create and also facilitate the acquisition of technical and entrepreneurial skills among the unemployed to render them self-employed. In his remarks to the beneficiaries, he said that the graduation marks the beginning of their real apprenticeship in business and encouraged them to imbibe continuous improvement in their business practices and attitude. He tasked them to avoid complacency and use the knowledge acquired under the LESDEP programme to build sustainable business. Mr. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, affirmed the government’s resolve to create an enabling environment for the youth to harness their entrepreneurial skills. He indicated those graduation ceremonies organized by LESDEP and many others happening around the country indicate that government is passionate about creating jobs and the entrepreneurial ideas among the youth to empower and embolden to make them self-reliant. He also stated that by the end of 2012, about 40,000 entrepreneurs (and businesses) will have been set up and mentored to make a landmark difference in various industries in Ghana under the LESDEP programme. He reiterated that LESDEP is not politically-inclined and urged people to desist from politicizing the programme which is one of the landmarks of government’s efforts of alleviating poverty in the country but rather take advantage of it to better their livelihood. “The Mills’ administration is concerned about making life more comfortable for the youth and would as such continue to initiate programmes to benefit the people,” he said. Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, lauded management of LESDEP for stepping up efforts to get the people employed. In his remarks, he said the equipment being entrusted to them is a huge investment government is making into their present and future ventures, so they must be maintained well. He advised them to repay their commitment quickly so others can benefit from the scheme.