Sunyani: Artisanal workers in the Sunyani Municipality say they anticipate that the 2026 Budget Statement will invest significantly in employable skills training.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workers also expect free Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) to drive robust industrialisation for progressive development. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, is expected to present the nation's budget statement and economic policy to parliament in November 2025.
The workers stressed the importance of creating decent jobs for the teeming unemployed youth by investing in and supporting artisanal workers to expand their economic activities. This, they believe, would create opportunities for more young people to learn employable skills.
In a pre-budget presentation interview with the Ghana News Agency at Sunyani, artisanal workers emphasized that employable skills training, TVET development, and robust industrialisation are crucial for the nation's development. Mr Stephen Baffoe, a carpenter, highlighted the potential for expansion and job creation with financial support and a ready market for finished products.
Baffoe also urged the government to address illegal mining activities, as many youth are drawn to galamsey due to its lucrativeness, rather than learning employable skills. Mr Isaiah Mensah, CEO of Isaiah Fashions, noted that many young people have the passion to learn but require enrolment fees and apprenticeship tools.
Mensah urged the government to assist fashion designers in expanding and identifying young people interested in learning the trade, to provide them with decent jobs. Mr Augustine Yaw Mensah, another fashion designer, expressed concerns over high utility tariffs affecting businesses and hoped for subsidies in the budget.
Mr Kofi Sam, a carpenter, advocated for free TVET education to encourage more students to pursue technical education. He pointed out that carpentry is becoming less attractive due to the lack of ready markets for finished products and the high cost of wood, and he appealed for government support.