By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Member of Parliament for Ketu South and Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has reaffirmed her strong commitment to youth employment, skills training and entrepreneurship with the successful implementation of her Skills Development Programme across the municipality.
Under the programme’s Dressmaking, Hairdressing, Tailoring and Phone Repair Modules, a total of 43 beneficiaries drawn from various communities in the Ketu South Municipality have been fully sponsored to sit for the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) examinations and have been awarded certificates on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The Numbers under the various modules were
- Dressmaking: 24
- Tailoring: 1
- Hairdressing: 10
- Phone Repair: 7
Beyond examination sponsorship, beneficiaries were also provided with working tools and equipment to enable them start work immediately after certification.
The attached documents list beneficiaries from Klikor, Some-Wego, Some-Fugo, Aflao-Urban, Aflao-Wego, Denu, Adina and surrounding communities, reflecting what programme coordinators describe as an intentional effort to ensure fair and balanced representation across the municipality.
“Skills Are the New Education” – Abla Dzifa Gomashie
Speaking to News Volta, Hon. Gomashie said the programme aligns with her belief that practical skills, creative arts and handiwork are powerful tools for fighting unemployment and poverty, especially among the youth and women.
“Education is important, but skills give people dignity, independence and income. Not everyone will sit in an office, but everyone can work with their hands and creativity to earn a living,” she stated.
She stressed that her vision is to blend education with employable skills, ensuring that young people are not left stranded after school.
“When you empower people with skills and tools, you don’t just give them certificates—you give them hope, confidence and a future,” she added.
Several beneficiaries who spoke to News Volta described the intervention as life-changing.
A dressmaking graduate Mawushie Megbordzi Ruth from Some-Fugo said the cost of NVTI exams had been a major barrier for her.
“I completed my apprenticeship long ago but couldn’t afford the NVTI exams. The MP paid everything and even gave us tools. Today, I’m certified and ready to work,” she said.
A hairdressing beneficiary Kumassa Vida from Aflao-Urban noted that the tools provided will help her start earning immediately.
“With the certificate and equipment, I don’t need to wait for anyone. I can open my shop and support my family,” she told News Volta.
Another beneficiary in phone repair described the programme as timely.
“Youth unemployment is real. This programme has given us a practical way to survive and grow,” he said.
Hon. Nicholas Worklachie, MCE for Ketu South, say certified skills combined with start-up tools place beneficiaries in a stronger position to build small businesses, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.
He also emphasized that the Skills Development Programme has become a key pillar of human capital development in Ketu South, complementing Hon. Gomashie’s broader agenda in creative arts, tourism and youth empowerment.
As beneficiaries are set to commence work across the municipality, residents say the impact of the programme will be felt not only in households, but also in local commerce and community development, witness told News Volta
The equipment distributed to the beneficiaries included sewing machines, hairdressing kits, and mobile phone repair kits.”
Source News Volta
