Juaso (Ash), April 23, GNA- Mr. Yaw Boamah Kwabi, Asante Akim South District Cultural Officer, has suggested the establishment of a cultural village at Juaso, the district capital, to train the youth in the production of cultural products. He said the proposed village could also serve as a centre for the promotion of cultural values to inculcate in people the need to preserve the area's rich cultural heritage. Mr. Kwabi was speaking at an exhibition of batik, tye and dye and Adinkra designs by Yehowa Behwe Co-operative Society at Juaso on Wednesday.

The group had undergone three-month training under the auspices of the Cultural Initiative and Support Programme (CISP) with sponsorship from the European Union (EU). He said he was hopeful that the establishment of the village would help develop the potentials of the youth in craftsmanship and also serve as an addition to farming which is the predominant occupation in the area. Mr Kwabi said there were several tourist sites in the district which could rake in revenue for the district when developed and urged the assembly to explore the opportunity. Mr. Kwasi Gyan-Appenteng, Programme Coordinator of CISP, commended the trainees for the quality of their products and urged them to strive to start their own businesses.

He appealed to government to invest in the private sector which he said played a vital role in the growth of the economy. Mr. Akuamoah Boateng, District Co-ordinating Director, encouraged the trainees to come out with innovative products to survive stiff competition.