The German Development Cooperation, GIZ, in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations has presented business startup tools to 420 young entrepreneurs from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions at a ceremony in Sunyani.

The over one million Ghana cedis worth of tools include computerized sewing machines, motor spraying machines, dehydrators, and soap-making and cutting machines.

GIZ’s support to the Private and Financial Sectors (PFS) program aims to improve the employment situation in Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the regions, including Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.

120 beneficiaries out of 250 applicants participated in a business idea competition to provide an opportunity for the youth to unearth their entrepreneurial abilities and mindset and to inspire them to think business.

The remaining beneficiaries also benefited from the “Adwumaye” short-term skills training to build their capacity and grow their businesses.

They received training in areas including catering, fashion design, cosmetology, satellite installation, and bakery.

According to Joshua Ahiaba, GIZ’s regional adviser to the PFS program, they realized the challenges young people face in getting access to finance to start their businesses, hence “the innovative financing initiatives to promote self-employment, job creation, and youth empowerment.” 

In his address, the head of the PFS Program at GIZ, Christian Jahn, noted that the program is building on the achievement of the Program for Sustainable Economic Development, which ended in December 2022, and the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Development, to complement the efforts of the Ghanaian government to enhance conditions for employment and income in the private sector.

He said with the private sector contributing to about 80 percent of all employment in Ghana, “GIZ found it important to invest in building the capacity of young entrepreneurs to enable them to start businesses and expand to create jobs and employ more people”.

“Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, but it will also improve the lives of all those around you,” Mr. Jahn told the beneficiaries.

He, however, implored them to be persistent and resilient to succeed as entrepreneurs.

Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, who graced the ceremony, said trained officers of the labour department with GIZ will be monitoring the activities of the beneficiaries and provide him with monthly reports.

“For those that would need further assistance in coaching and mentorship, we would continue to provide that until we see that they are matured and can be on their own when left alone”, he assured.

“If we want to solve this problem of unemployment on our hands, the best way to go is to deepen vocational training as a way of providing hands-on training for our people,” the Minister said.

Mr. Baffour Awuah noted that their partners, Germany, have successfully done it, and Ghana have to follow their steps to also be successful.

Salomey Dadzie, a beneficiary, expressed her gratitude to GIZ for the opportunity and assistance, adding that “the startup kits will enable us to produce more per day and help us employ others”.