The Member of Parliament for Tolon Constituency in the Northern Region, Hon. Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, has distributed essential logistics to 644 artisans in the constituency.

The items include sewing machines, hair dryers, weaving machines, and barbering machines worth one million Ghana cedis (GH¢1,000,000.00).

The beneficiaries, comprising 400 tailors, 96 hairdressers, 114 weavers, and 34 barbers, also received startup capital from the MP.

The each weaver received GHS 1,000, while tailors, hairdressers, and barbers received GH¢500 each. This is the third time the Tolon MP has supported artisans in the constituency; earlier donations were made in the Tolon and Tali communities.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, the Tolon MP, who doubles as the 1st Deputy Majority Chief Whip, said the initiative is to provide the necessary tools and resources to empower artisans in the constituency, especially those who have gone through apprenticeship.

So far, 843 artisans have benefited from the Tolon MP’s apprenticeship empowerment initiative.

Hon. Habib Soyalana hinted that masters and trainers of all apprenticeship shops within the constituency will also be supported, saying that this will encourage artisan masters and trainers to teach apprentices with zeal and diligence.

He noted that the good works of artisan masters cannot be overemphasized, adding that artisan masters are enduring a lot and doing their best to impart skill knowledge and discipline to apprentices.

“We cannot thank you enough. I am going to support all masters and trainers in the constituency. You are doing a lot for our sisters and brothers,” he acknowledged.

Highlighting some of the initiatives he has brought to the people of Tolon Constituency since 2020, the Tolon MP said the initiative to support artisans in the constituency is novel. “This is the first time an MP in the constituency is empowering local artisans,” he emphasized.

Hon. Iddrisu announced that very soon he will support needy but brilliant students to pay their school fees through the Soyalana Education Endowment Fund.

He said the fund has so far supported 1,024 tertiary students. “The Soyalana Education Fund will support more students, and so I’m calling on students from this constituency to apply and access this fund,” he urged.

He reiterated that there is no single community in the constituency which he did not bring the needed development intervention. “Within four years, I have brought the needed development to the people of Tolon Constituency. I have constructed classroom blocks, clinics, roads, mechanized boreholes, and expanded electricity to several communities,” he added.

“There are a few communities without electricity, and I am going to ensure that these communities join the national grid before the December 7 election. We want 100% electricity coverage in Tolon Constituency before the election,” he added.

Hon. Iddrisu urged the people to vote massively for him and the NPP presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the December 7 general election for more development interventions.

The Regional Representative of the Garment Makers Association, speaking on behalf of the executives, masters, and graduates, thanked the Tolon MP, Hon. Habib Iddrisu, for his benevolence.

He acknowledged the contribution of the MP in the artisanship sector in the area, adding that the Tolon MP’s gestures have not only reduced the burden on parents but also helped many young girls to follow their dreams.

The Chief of Nyankpala, who was the guest of honour, thanked the 1st Deputy Majority Chief Whip for the gesture and urged the beneficiaries to use the machines to improve their livelihoods.

The Chief also called on the people of the area to eschew any form of violence as December 7 approaches.

The Garment Makers Association, Tolon Zone, at the ceremony presented a citation plaque to the Tolon MP, Hon. Habib Iddrisu, for his generosity and support to members of the association.