The Ghana Report Jobs Fair: 3000 youth equipped with life-changing skills & start-up packages
The first edition of The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair, championed by the CEO of The Ghana Report and I-ZAR Group, Ms. Rashida Saani, has produced 3000 youths equipped with diverse rapid skills to offer professional services.
The successful artisans who passed out after an intensive hands-on two-week programme were also provided with start-up tools and equipment specific to their trades in addition to GH¢ 1,000 cash each to support their careers.
The rapid skills course is one of the components, in addition to an entrepreneurship programme and thousands of employment opportunities offered at The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair from September 19 to October 4 at the Independence Square, Accra.
The breakdown of the successful persons who passed out at the grand closing ceremony is as follows:
A total of 236 in makeup artistry, 288 for dressmaking, 125 in cosmetology, 256 in soap and detergent production, 257 in catering, 127 in CCTV and DSTV installation, 117 in digital skills, 35 in electrical fence and gate automation, 35 in solar panel installation, 30 in innovative agriculture, and 49 in local drink production.
The fair was organised in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, was the special guest at the closing ceremony and handed over the starter packages to the beneficiaries.
The tools and equipment included sewing machines, hairdryers, hot combs, gallons of shampoo, washing basins, baking machines and bowls, make-up kits, chemicals for soap-making, knapsack sprayers, and Wellington boots, among others.
Mr. Baffour-Awuah celebrated the achievements of the trainees who completed the courses.
He further commended The Ghana Report for the bold initiative and the support of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for fostering an environment that provides equal opportunities for everyone seeking to acquire skills.
“We are witnessing the passing out of these talented young men and women who are now ready to contribute to our nation’s growth,” Mr. Bawuah-Awuah noted.
“I’m happy about one thing, and that is, people have to come to realise that learning a trade is the best way to solve the high unemployment rate facing the country”.
“If you are here today after completing well-supervised training in these 10 areas, we encourage you to embrace a spirit of service to our beloved country. Together, we can create a future where young people are no longer bound by unemployment,” he concluded.
The minister stated that over 30 private and public sector organizations, including the Cyber Security Authority, Nestlé Ghana, and various finance companies and banks, participated in the recruitment exercise.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana Prisons Service, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) featured in the recruitment exercise from the security agencies.
Leading private companies and international organisations who were present to recruit include Melcom Ghana, GLICO Group Company Limited, Sunda International, Enterprise Group, G4S Security Services Ghana Limited, Hollard Insurance, Advans Ghana, JD Oil, Keda Ceramics, StarLife Assurance Company Limited, and Response One Ghana Limited.
Others were KEK Insurance, Prudential Life, Molders Group, The Blue Penguin, Ernest Publication Ltd, Vitanature Health Care Ltd, StarLife Assurance, Westec Security, Blue Space, Consociates Ghana Limited, Trestle Academy Ghana, Enquiry Agency Careers Network LBG, and Topbite Restaurant.
The minister highlighted that 10,000 job applicants are currently being considered by these companies, with a strong possibility of hiring qualified candidates.
The Coordinator of The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair, Adib Saani, presented the closing remarks on behalf of the CEO of The Ghana Report and I-ZAR Group, Ms. Rashida Saani.
He congratulated the graduates on the feat chalked in the past two weeks.
Additionally, he urged the graduates to make meaningful use of the skills they have acquired and grab opportunities that will help build a brighter future for themselves, their communities, and the country.
“Today marks the successful conclusion of The Ghana Report Job and Entrepreneurship Fair, as well as the graduation of our trainees. I want to congratulate every one of you for your dedication and hard work. You leave here not only with accolades but also with valuable skills that will unlock new opportunities.
“This event has been focused on empowering our youth by equipping them with essential skills. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners at the Youth Employment Agency for making this fair a reality. Your support has been instrumental in creating opportunities for the youth of Ghana.”
He observed that The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair is part of a broader effort by Ms Saani, an astute mogul, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, to tackle the unemployment crisis, which is essential for addressing the numerous security challenges facing Ghana.
“This time, you won’t be chasing money; instead, your skills will attract opportunities and financial success. At The Ghana Report, we are dedicated to your growth and future, and we will continue to support you every step of the way.”
In a speech delivered on behalf of the CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong, the Deputy CEO Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru recognized both the achievements and challenges faced by the trainees over the past two weeks.
“Two weeks ago, on September 19th, I had the privilege of welcoming you to the Ghana Report and YEA Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair. Today, I’m here to celebrate the successes of this remarkable event.
“During the fair, we were impressed by the long lines of job seekers at all designated registration and recruitment points, particularly for the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Customs and Preventive Service. Many participants also engaged in the rapid skills training and the Kayaye empowerment program. Most, if not all, can attest to the valuable skills they acquired during this intensive two-week training.”
Organised by The Ghana Report, a subsidiary of I-ZAR Group and winner of the Best News Portal of the Year and the Best Portal in Corporate Social Responsibilities at the 25th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, The Ghana Report Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair is an innovative and transformational programme designed to connect job seekers with employers and empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed.
Several beneficiaries lauded The Ghana Report and highlighted the positive impact of the training programme.
Densua Dodoo, a person with a disability, expressed joy in gaining a skill that will bring her income to provide for her two children.
“I am a trained seamstress, but the trade wasn’t fetching me enough money as I expected, so when I heard of The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair, I decided to participate and learn hair styling,” she said. “Now, I can wash hair, fix a weave-on, make wig caps, revamp old wigs, and style hair.”
“The organizers of the fair didn’t leave us empty-handed; they also provided me with tools to start the business almost immediately. The hand dryer, hot comb, rollers, washing basin, a gallon of shampoo, and conditioner were given to me for free.”
“I want to use this opportunity to say a very big thank you to the brain behind this fair, Madam Rashida Saani, and the entire team for making my dream possible. Now I have a trade that will give me income,” she added.
Simon Peter Adzido, a 47-year-old person with a disability who repairs sewing machines at Kasoa, acquired CCTV camera installation and repair skills.
“I heard about the fair from a PWD group and enrolled in the CCTV camera installations; now I can install different kinds of CCTV cameras and repair CCTV cameras, and that will fetch me money to cater for my family.”
I am so grateful to The Ghana Report for this initiative, especially for the People With Disabilities (PWDs) who have gained viable economic skills.
Raphael Awudza, who specialized in gate automation and electric fencing, expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future.
“I now know how to fix an electric fence, how to install gate automation, and CCTV cameras, and with these skills, I can work with it and have money in my pocket. I’m very grateful to The Ghana Report”.
Another beneficiary, Doris Anpobone, who trained in liquid soap making, praised the programme’s effectiveness, describing the training as rigorous and comprehensive.
“Our master trainers have done an excellent job. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this programme.”
Rukaya Gakpo, a dressmaking specialist, expressed her appreciation, saying, “The programme has been incredibly beneficial, and I am truly grateful. After completing the two-week course, I received a free sewing machine. If this program continues, it will empower young people to earn a decent income.”