Twenty artisans at Obuasi in the Ashanti region have been supported with equipment to set up their businesses.

The move by Fifty 50 Club, an NGO, is aimed at contributing to reducing the rate of unemployment in the Obuasi Municipality.

The Fifty 50 Club presented 15 dryers and washing basins to 15 hairdressers and five sewing machines and pressing irons to 5 seamstresses. 

The donation, worth GH50,000, is to equip the artisans to set up their own businesses and provide them with a steady stream of income.

Jacob Edmund-Acquah is the Founder and President of the Fifty 50 Club.

He noted that, “entrepreneurship significantly improves the standard of living of people, hence the decision of the Club to place more emphasis on equipping artisans who have already graduated with tools needed to start up their own businesses”.

The Fifty 50 Club, an Obuasi based NGO, is made up of employees of AngloGold Ashanti, workers of other corporate organizations, individuals in Ghana and abroad.

Mr. Edmond-Acquah explained how beneficiaries were selected for the support.

According to him, the team “liaised with the local assemblies to look out for those who are needy. As a club we are committed to improve the standard of living of the youth of Obuasi so that they can become financially independent," he said.

He advised beneficiaries “to take good care of the machines and work hard in order to become successful entrepreneurs and positively impact their families and the community.

Some beneficiaries spoke to Luv FM.

“I’m a trained hairdresser but because I don’t have any equipment, I’m currently unemployed. But this is really going to help me to start my own business. I really want to thank the Fifty 50 club for this intervention. I want to assure the club that we will use the tools for their intended purpose,” Margaret Boah said.

Meanwhile, the Club has reached out to three persons in critical need.

First is 3-year-old, Theresa Amoako, who was diagnosed with a complex heart condition known as the Tetralogy of Fallot.

She received GH15,000 from the Club to undergo surgery.

Vanessa Amponsah, also 3 years old, diagnosed with two heart conditions, called Ventricular and Atrial Septal defects, was also given GHS10,000 to support the cost of her surgery.

Finally, David Ababio Awuni, a Computer Science Student, was also provided full scholarship by the Club to continue his studies at KNUST.