By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
A total of 240 youth and women entrepreneurs in Ketu South Municipality have received start-up business kits under the BizBox Project, a flagship youth empowerment programme implemented through a collaboration between the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and MasterCard Foundation Ghana, with support from the Ketu South Municipal Assembly.
The intervention forms part of the Reset Ghana Agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and accelerating inclusive economic growth.
Out of the 240 beneficiaries, 190 are women and 50 are men, underscoring the programme’s deliberate focus on women economic empowerment.
The BizBox Project, implemented in partnership with MasterCard Foundation Ghana, is designed to equip young people with practical business tools, enterprise development training, and production equipment to enable them to start and grow sustainable businesses, particularly in home aquaculture, fish farming, and small-scale agro-enterprises.
Each beneficiary received fish farming equipment, fishing nets, tarpaulins, erectors, and related production tools, tailored to support home aquaculture ventures and fisheries-based livelihoods.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Madam Margaret Ansei, urged participants to embrace discipline, consistency, and innovation in building their enterprises.
“This support is to help you start your own businesses. No successful entrepreneur started big. They started small. With commitment and consistency, you will grow. Make your MP proud, make President Mahama proud, and most importantly, make yourselves proud,” she stated.
Madam Ansei assured beneficiaries that outstanding performers would receive access to grants, loans, business mentoring, and technical support to help scale their enterprises.
She emphasized that the BizBox Project aligns strongly with government plans for a 24-hour economy, women’s banking initiatives, and youth enterprise financing schemes, all targeted at expanding employment and productivity nationwide.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South, Hon. Nicholas Worclachie, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Reset Ghana Agenda in action.
“Resetting Ghana means putting systems back in order and empowering our people to take charge of their own development. This programme is about building productive youth, reducing unemployment, and growing strong local economies,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the start-up kits, avoid resale of the equipment, and reinvest profits into business expansion.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to News Volta expressed profound appreciation for the intervention, describing it as life-changing.
Mad. Akligo Rejoice Makor , a fish farming beneficiary, said:
“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. I can now start my own fish business and support my family. We thank the government, GEA, and MasterCard Foundation Ghana.”
Mr. Sewornu Charles , another beneficiary, added:
“With this equipment, I can employ other young people. We promise to work hard and make Ketu South proud.”
The BizBox Project is expected to stimulate local economic activity, increase household incomes, strengthen food security, and create sustainable employment, particularly among women and young people.
Municipal authorities indicated that monitoring teams will be deployed to track business growth, provide mentorship, and ensure sustainability of the enterprises.
The collaboration between the Ghana Enterprises Agency and MasterCard Foundation Ghana reflects a strategic partnership focused on long-term youth development, innovation, and enterprise sustainability.
Observers say the programme signals a renewed commitment by the Mahama administration to place youth entrepreneurship at the center of national development efforts.
Source News Volta
