In empowering the youth and impacting lives in the informal sector, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and Aseda Foundation have organised a graduation ceremony for 261 artisans in the Western Region.

Out of the 400 artisans who enrolled in the GNPC/Aseda Foundation skilled artisans programme in the region, 261 excelled in various trade disciplines such as Dressmaking, Hairdressing, Tailoring, Arc Welding, Gas Welding, Masonry, Carpentry, General Electricals, Tiling, Aluminium Fabrication, Plumbing, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Spraying, Bakery, Pastry, Cookery, Event Decoration, Beadmaking, Make-up, Shoe making, among others. Each artisan was given relevant start-up tools pertaining to their area of study to begin their entrepreneurial journey.

After navigating their National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) Examination, the artisans were also privileged to undergo soft skills training to expose them to the standards of business and entrepreneurship.

Enjoying support from the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), GNPC trained the artisans in course models such as Book-keeping, Marketing/ Sales, Branding, Customer Relations, Attitude to Work, Safety at Work and Entrepreneurship.

The Executive Director of GNPC Foundation, Dr. Dominic Kwesi Eduah who gave the opening address and the purpose of gathering at the event, stressed the corporation’s preparedness to undertake social livelihood empowerment programmes that will significantly impact the lives of Ghanaians in the informal sector.

“With regards to GNPC CSR modules, particular attention is given to the Western region as it’s the backbone of our extractive business. In fact, the region is our priority of priorities, “he said.

Chairman for the occasion, Awulae Angama Tu Agyan, Paramount Chief of Egwira Traditional Area who doubles as Vice President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs used the platform to advise the youth to take advantage of every opportunity they come across to build themselves up.

He further urged the artisans to be worthy ambassadors of GNPC.

On his part, the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi, Abdul Mummin Issah, expressed his gratitude to GNPC for it immense impact on enhancing livelihoods in the Western Region and across Ghana through the Foundation.

He also charged the artisans to use the tools acquired for their intended purpose.

Diana Adjei, the CEO for Aseda Foundation praised GNPC for the collaboration which is adding value to the lives of these young people.