The District Chief Executive for Nkoranza North in the Bono East Region, Effah Patrick, together with the area’s Member of Parliament, Joseph Kwasi Mensah, has handed over working tools and industrial machines to beneficiaries of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).
The presentation took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the District Assembly in Busunya, the district capital, and forms part of ongoing government efforts to equip young people with employable skills and support them to start their own businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Effah Patrick described the initiative as a deliberate step to empower the youth with practical skills and the tools needed to transition into self-employment.
He stressed that the intervention goes beyond simply distributing equipment.
“This is not just about handing out tools,” he said. “It is a strategic investment in our young people and in the economic future of Nkoranza North.”
According to him, the items were provided through the Ghana Apprenticeship Programme Department (GAPD) and the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), benefiting 142 young people across the district.
He highlighted the critical role of technical and vocational training in tackling unemployment and reducing poverty, noting that the apprenticeship programme is creating real opportunities for young people to move from training into productive work.
The DCE urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, emphasizing discipline, innovation and a commitment to quality as key ingredients for success.
“The tools you receive today are seeds of opportunity,” he said in an interview with Fabea FM’s Apiah-Kubi.
“Use them wisely and let them become the foundation for businesses that will grow, create jobs and inspire others.”
He also commended President John Dramani Mahama for prioritising youth development and skills training across the country.
On his part, the Member of Parliament, Joseph Kwasi Mensah, donated 1,000 streetlights to assembly members within the constituency.
He explained that the move is aimed at improving visibility, enhancing security and supporting local development.
He added that better lighting in communities would help deter crime, improve road safety and contribute to addressing issues such as youth involvement in drug use.
Beneficiaries, drawn from trades including tailoring, welding, carpentry, hairdressing and auto mechanics, expressed appreciation to the government, the District Assembly, and both leaders for the support.
They pledged to use the equipment to build sustainable livelihoods.
The event ended with the symbolic presentation of the tools and machines, marking a fresh start for the young entrepreneurs in Nkoranza North.