Akatsi: Some young people in the Akatsi South Municipality have undergone free practical skills training aimed at equipping them with skills in grilling, food safety and hygiene, and business development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme, organised by Delmark Agro in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation, was held under the theme, 'Empowering Young People with Practical Skills to Create Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities.' Mr Edem Ackuaku, Chief Executive Officer of Delmark Agro, emphasized that the initiative was designed to expose young people to practical skills that could be transformed into sustainable businesses and sources of livelihood. Delmark Agro is committed to supporting young people and farmers through skills development programmes, with a focus on practical training to help beneficiaries identify opportunities, build capacities, and become economically independent.
Mr Daniel Dagba, Municipal Chief Executive for Akatsi South, encouraged the youth to take advantage of such skills development opportunities to acquire practical competencies that could enable them to become self-reliant and build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families. He stressed the importance of approaching the training with seriousness and commitment, as employable skills are critical to creating opportunities for economic independence, particularly among the youth.
Mr Dagba also advised the youth against illicit drug use and other forms of substance abuse, noting that such practices could undermine their health, productivity, and prospects. He highlighted that opportunities provided through practical training programmes should be used as a foundation for establishing businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the development of the Municipality.
The training covered practical grilling and food preparation, food safety and hygiene, and business development, with participants receiving certificates of participation. Participants expressed satisfaction with the programme, describing the free training as a valuable opportunity to acquire practical skills that could be translated into income-generating ventures. Some noted that the hands-on nature of the training had improved their understanding of food preparation, hygiene, and the business aspects of grilling, and expressed readiness to apply the knowledge acquired to start or improve their businesses.
This initiative is part of Delmark Agro's broader efforts to equip young people and farmers with practical skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods and promote entrepreneurship. Over the years, Delmark Agro has undertaken various skills training programmes for youth and farmers in communities, providing beneficiaries with practical knowledge intended to enhance their economic opportunities and productivity. The collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation has also provided an avenue to expand access to skills development and entrepreneurship opportunities among young people in the Akatsi South Municipality.