A total of 64 individuals from various districts in the Western North Region have successfully graduated from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation's skilled artisan programme at Sefwi Bibiani.

In line with the government's commitment to alleviate youth unemployment, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, in partnership with the Aseda Foundation, has offered skilled artisan training to 64 young people in the Western North Region.

These beneficiaries were carefully selected from the nine districts within the region.

These 64 youths have excelled in a diverse range of trade areas, including steel bending, spraying, interior and exterior decoration, bead making, makeup artistry, motor vehicle mechanics, dressmaking, hairdressing, tailoring, arc welding, gas welding, shoemaking, bakery, cookery, masonry, pastry making, among others.

Furthermore, each beneficiary received startup tools relevant to their area of expertise to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.

Dr. Dominic Kwesi Eduah, the Executive Director of GNPC Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the successful graduation, highlighting the foundation's commitment not only to formal education but also to adding value to artisanal studies.

He announced plans to extend the programme's reach to benefit 2050 skilled artisans nationwide by 2050. Dr. Eduah praised the support received from stakeholders, including traditional authorities, the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), district assemblies, Members of Parliament, and others.

He urged the beneficiaries to take good care of their tools and utilize them effectively to empower themselves.

The ceremony's chairman, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the paramount chief of Anhweaso traditional area and President of the National House of Chiefs, expressed gratitude to the GNPC Foundation for extending its programme to the Western North Region.

He commended GNPC's Chief Executive Officer, Opoku Ahwenee Dankwah, and his team for their impactful initiative. Ogyeahoho encouraged the youth in the region to consider skilled artisan training.

The beneficiaries on their part thanked the NPP government and GNPC for the bold solution initiative to provide direct employment for the youth in the country.

They promised to make good use of the tools given to empower themselves.