The Ghana Report Transforms Lives of Several PWDs At Maiden Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair
The Ghana Report, the most incisive digital news and media portal in Ghana and a subsidiary of I-ZAR Group, has once again demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility through its groundbreaking jobs & entrepreneurship fair.
The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair was a two-week innovative programme held at the Independence Square from September 19 to October 5 to empower the youth, with over 5000 jobs and more than 3000 beneficiaries of a rapid skills programme.
Rapid skills beneficiaries were also presented with startup tools and equipment as well as a GH¢1000 to support their journey.
An important section of the beneficiaries whose lives have been touched tremendously is Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The PWDs who participated have been strengthened to conquer the world to better their lives and contribute to society’s development.
CEO of The Ghana Report and I-ZAR Group, Ms. Rashida Saani, championed The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair on the back of many other social interventions in Ghana.
Three remarkable PWDs who were beneficiaries, Densua Dodoo, Joseph Amugi, and Simon Peter Adzido, shared their inspiring stories of transformation while thanking the organisers of the programme.
According to the PWD beneficiaries, The Ghana Report Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair has ignited hope in their lives by providing them with skills to earn a living to support their families.
They expressed gratitude to the organizers, led by the CEO of The Ghana Report, for demonstrating her unwavering commitment to empowering PWDs and marginalised communities.
The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair was held in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
Densua’s Dream Takes Shape
Densua Dodoo, a 40-year-old mother of two from Mamprobi, had struggled to make ends meet as a seamstress.
“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 the hair styling skill.”
She chose the hairdressing course.
After weeks of hands-on training, she acquired skills that will set her up as a self-employed hairstylist.
“Now, I can wash hair, fix a weave-on, make wig caps, revamp old wigs, and style hair.”
With the provided equipment, including a hand dryer, hot combs, gallons of shampoo, a washing basin, and a set of hair rollers, Densua is now confident in her ability to earn a steady income.
“The organizers of the fair didn’t leave us empty-handed; they also provided me with tools to start the business almost immediately. Hand dryer, hot comb, rollers, washing basin, a gallon of shampoo, conditioner, amongst others [were given to me] all 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 The Ghana Report team for making my dream possible. Now, I have a trade that will give me income,” she added.
Joseph’s Determination Pays Off
Joseph Amugi, a 37-year-old farmer, barber, and Ghana National Amputee football team member, overcame the challenges of Buruli ulcer to learn electric fencing and gate automation.
“I came to learn electric fencing and gate automation, and as a result of The Ghana Report Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair, I can fix an electric fence and fully automate gates for security purposes. With this skill, I can make money and take care of myself and my family.”
Amugi added that he plans to train others in his amputee team.
Therefore, he appealed for more opportunities and support to showcase and put his new skills to use.
“I look forward to training others in my amputee team, I also appeal to the public to give us opportunities to work for them because we have the skills and are capable regardless of our disabilities.”
“I also want to thank Madam Rashida Saani and The Ghana Report for organizing this fair for our benefit,” he added.
Simon’s New Chapter
Simon Peter Adzido, a 47-year-old sewing machine repairer from Kasoa, acquired CCTV camera installation and repair skills.
“I heard about the fair from a PWD group and enrolled in the CCTV camera installation [course]. As of now, I can install different kinds of CCTV cameras and repair CCTV cameras and that will fetch me money to cater for my family.”
He was full of praise for the diversity of beneficiaries and advocated for more opportunities for the PWD society.
“I am so grateful to The Ghana Report for this initiative, especially to the benefit of People With Disabilities (PWDs). I also thank the CEO of The Ghana Report, Madam Rashida Saani, God bless her for this initiative.
The Ghana Report Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair Records Huge Success
A total of 3000 trainees successfully passed out at the closing ceremony of The Ghana Report Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair.
The breakdown of specializations is as follows: 236 in makeup artistry, 288 in dressmaking, 125 in cosmetology, 256 in soap making, 257 in baking, 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.
Ms. Rashida Saani, Chief Executive of The Ghana Report has expressed her delight at the overwhelming response the event garnered. “The turnout has been incredible. We welcomed over 100,000 job seekers and had the participation of over 40 public and private sector entities. The level of engagement we have seen between employers and potential employees is proof that Ghana’s youth are eager and ready to contribute positively to the economy if given the opportunity,” she stated.
Rashida further emphasized the importance of events like the Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair in building a sustainable job market.
“This fair has proven that the youth of Ghana have the talent, skill, and drive to build their future. However, they need opportunities, and that’s exactly what this event aimed to provide. We were determined to ensure there was no ‘protocol recruitment’—everything was purely merit-based, and we are proud of that accomplishment.”
The fair featured a series of skill acquisition programs, job interviews, business plan pitching sessions, and industry talks from business leaders. According to Rashida, the unique combination of training, networking, and recruitment opportunities set the event apart.
“We saw many young people leave with not just offers of employment but also new skills and business ideas. It’s gratifying to know that our efforts are truly impacting lives and contributing towards reducing unemployment in the country,” she added.
Employers who attended the fair also lauded the effort. Many were impressed by the talent on display and expressed interest in collaborating with The Ghana Report for future initiatives.
Ms. Rashida Saani noted, “The feedback from employers has been phenomenal. Many of them have mentioned how beneficial it was to meet so many bright, young talents in one place. This fair wasn’t just about job placements but about establishing long-term relationships that benefit both employers and the workforce.”
The Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair, aimed to create pathways for employment and innovation.
The Ghana Report Jobs & Entrepreneurship Fair has left a positive mark on many of those who attended, offering hope and a sense of empowerment to Ghana’s youth.
The future indeed looks promising as The Ghana Report continues to support initiatives that foster opportunities for all, thereby creating a brighter future for the youth of Ghana.