Artisans in the Asante Akyem South Municipality of the Ashanti Region have received training to enhance the standard of work delivered to their clients.

The training program was spearheaded by the EKAJ Educational Fund with support from the University of Cape Coast under the theme: “Enhancing Social Cohesion among the Youth Through Skill Development.”

The capacity building workshop was aimed at equipping participants with practical tools to upgrade their technical abilities, enhance business management, and adapt to modern industry demands.

As part of the training, participants were taken through relevant areas like work efficiency, quality control and financial literacy.

Branding and strategies for scaling up small businesses are among the other areas of interest.

The workshop also stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards and customer satisfaction in today’s competitive market.

Founder and CEO of the EKAJ Educational Fund, Eric Kofi Amofa Junior, described the initiative as a catalyst for transformation, noting the positive impact on families and communities in which artisans ply their trade.

“This workshop is not just about learning a skill. It’s about igniting purpose, building confidence, and laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

In a forward-looking move, Mr. Amofa Junior encouraged the participants to establish a local artisans’ association to unify their efforts, foster collaboration, and advocate for better opportunities for all skilled workers across the municipality.

“Let’s use this as a turning point,” he urged, “to innovate, build networks, and transform our communities with the skills we already have.”

Among the 150 beneficiaries include; senior masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers and painters who are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to their apprentices.
Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem South Constituency, Kwaku Asante Boateng commended the initiative, stressing the need for an upscale to impact other artisans.

Municipal Chief Executive officer for Asante Akyem South, Maame Sarfoa Agyei and former MP for the area, Gifty Ohene Konadu were among persons who expressed delight at the event.

Other notable contributors included the immediate past CEO of the National Identification Authority, Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah and Mr. George Baah of the District Assembly Common Fund.

The University of Cape Coast through its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, and Director of the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub, Dr. Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, have expressed commitment to ensure the program is continued to benefit other artisans.

Dr. Alexander Nuer (Design Thinking and Innovation Hub/Sasakawa Group), Dr. Edmond Yeboah Nyamaah (Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management - UCC School of Business), and Mr. Sammy Korbiah Appiah (Monitoring & Evaluation Unit - Design Thinking and Innovation Hub of UCC) were among facilitators of the training program.

The University issued certificates of participation to all trainees, along with personal protective equipment such as reflective jackets and helmets from EKAJ Foundation, underscoring the importance of safety and professionalism on the job.

The EKAJ Educational Fund was established in 2023 by Mr. Eric Amofa with a seed capital of GHS100,000 to create equitable educational opportunities for brilliant but needy youth in Asante Akyem and Ghana at large.

The Fund has so far provided financial sponsorship for 15 senior high students and 10 tertiary students, according to the Founder.

It has also distributed 5,000 exercise books to needy students in all 10 SHS in Asante Akyem South, 50 bags of cement to Dampong Jubilee SHS for the construction of girls’ hostel, five ceiling fans to Kyempo Faith JHS, GHS5,000 and 20 study desks to Banso Presby SHS and provided startup tools and funding for apprenticeships for persons with disabilities (PWDs) among others.