Accra, Nov 28, GNA- An ultra modern office and a showroom for the Accra Rehabilitation Centre to serve as a marketing centre for the inmate trainees of the Centre was on Friday commissioned in Accra.

The project which cost about 35.7 million cedis was funded jointly with a 3,317 Euro support from the Hoge School de Horst of the Netherlands, and more than three million cedis from internally generated funds of the centre.

Mr Mathilde van der Wielvan Heugten, wife of the Royal Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, cut the sod to commission the showroom and the centre.

Mr Yaw Barimah, Minister for Manpower Development and Employment, in a speech read for him, acknowledged the contributions of the staff and other persons who through their efforts were enriching the lives of the Centre's trainees, and commended the Dutch benefactors for establishing partnership with the Centre for the benefit of the entire community.

Mr Stephen Vormegbeh, an official of the Ministry of Employment and Manpower Development (MMDE) read Mr Barimah's speech.

Mr Barimah commended the re-organisation of the activities of rehabilitation centres countrywide, which he said were intended to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

He however said there was the need to modify trades taught at the centres to make trainees competitive on the job market.

"I'm sure it is in this regard that the introduction of production units in the centres is expected to expose the trainees to the real world of competition".

Mr Barimah said the production units must ensure quality products in both designs and finishing to show their creativity and astuteness.

He said the MMDE had introduced Skills Training and Employment Programme (STEP) for all unemployed youth, and the Public Works Department (PWD) would equip the youth with employable skills to alleviate poverty.

He announced that the Accra Rehabilitation Centre had been selected as one of the training centres for the STEP.

Mr Joseph Attigah, the Manager of the Centre said 13 trainees passed out in June from the centre, which had been running for the past two years.

He said the Centre was in dire need of a vehicle, and also need at least a computer with a printer and a photocopier, as well as increased financial assistance and training materials to sustain the showroom.

He appealed to individuals and organisations to come to the aid of the Centre.

Mrs Mary Imelda Amadu, Director, Dept of Social Welfare, said there was dignity in labour adding that it was better for people with disabilities to train to acquire skills to work rather than engage in begging.

Certificate of proficiency were awarded to deserving trainees.