Accra: Mr Daniel Kwasi Ashiamah, Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), has emphasized the necessity for education to transcend traditional classroom instruction and provide individuals with practical skills that can enhance livelihoods and contribute to national development. He highlighted that education should empower individuals to achieve economic independence, create wealth, and play significant roles in their communities and the nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ashiamah made these remarks during the closing ceremony of an Occupational Skills Development Training Programme (OSD) held at Ehi in the Ketu North Municipality by the Complementary Education Agency (CEA). The programme saw around 200 beneficiaries from eight Municipal and District Assemblies in the Volta Region receive training in producing liquid soap, shampoo, washing powder, Alata soap, and shower gel.
Mr Ashiamah stressed that the CEA believes education must empower individuals to stand on their own, create wealth, and contribute meaningfully to society. 'The skills you have acquired here are tools for economic independence and poverty reduction,' he stated. He added that the Agency's Occupational Skills Development Unit prioritizes practical, market-oriented training programs aimed at developing entrepreneurs, job creators, and community change-makers.
He urged participants not to rely solely on government employment opportunities but to use the skills acquired to establish their businesses and create jobs for others. 'CEA will continue to provide training opportunities, but the responsibility now lies with you to put the skills into practice. Form groups, seek support from institutions such as the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), access small business loans, acquire raw materials, and begin production,' he advised.
Mr Ashiamah cited successful examples of beneficiaries of government-supported skills programs who had established sustainable businesses and improved their economic conditions through self-employment. He encouraged participants to remain committed to entrepreneurship, as it remains one of the most effective pathways to financial independence and poverty reduction.
Mr Edward Kumah Deku, the Finance and Administration Officer of the Ketu North Municipal Education Directorate, emphasized that occupational skills training is critical to Ghana's industrialization and economic transformation agenda. He noted that participants had acquired valuable practical knowledge in producing liquid soap, shampoo, and powdered soap, which could be transformed into viable income-generating ventures.
'Over the past few days, participants have learned how raw materials can be transformed into useful products through skill, measurement, and practice. This demonstrates the immense potential of skills development in creating employment and generating income,' he said. Mr Deku observed that many young people were increasingly frustrated with relying solely on academic qualifications in a competitive job market and stressed the importance of complementing formal education with practical skills.
He called on the Complementary Education Agency to consider establishing industrial and vocational training centers across the country to help young people acquire employable skills and contribute to sustainable national development. Mr Deku urged beneficiaries to continue practicing the skills acquired, maintain high standards of quality and hygiene, and transform their knowledge into profitable enterprises that would benefit their families and communities.
'You now possess a valuable skill. Continue to practice, improve, and uphold quality standards. Let these skills become a source of income and a tool for positive change in your communities,' he advised. As part of efforts to support participants in starting their businesses, beneficiaries were presented with starter packs containing basic materials and equipment needed for production. Some participants expressed appreciation to the CEA for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and beneficial in addressing unemployment and improving livelihoods in their respective communities.