More than 100 graduate apprentices have been supported with working tools and facilities to establish their own businesses in the Mpohor Wassa East District of the Western Region.

This was made possible through the joint efforts of the Rural Enterprise Programme (REP) and the Mpohor Wassa East District Assembly.

The beneficiaries include dress makers, vulcanizers, beauticians and soap makers. The rest are gari producers, barbers, welders and shoe makers.

Making the presentation at a ceremony in Daboase on Tuesday, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor Wassa East, Mr Anthony Bassaw, said the idea to assist artisans is in line with the social democratic tenets of the ruling National Democratic Congress in ensuring that opportunities is created for all, and not for a chosen few.

He said the government takes delight in raising the living standards of its citizens and challenged beneficiaries to make good use of the start-up kits to turn their lives around and also support their communities.

The DCE charged beneficiaries to take good care of the items and maintain them.

He said the government would continue to assist artisans in the various districts across the country, since that is one of the core objectives of reducing unemployment in the country.

Mr Bassaw said, equipping artisans is in fulfillment of the government’s “Better Ghana Agenda” and called on the people to renew the president’s mandate to continue with the good works he had started..

The Country's Programme Coordinator for Rural Enterprise Programme (REP), Daniel Adjei Sarpong said, based on effective and well thought interventions, REP has championed business creation and employment generation for the youth across the country.

He expressed the hope that REP would continue to support and give skills training to the many unemployed youth to better their future.

Mr. Adjei Sarpong, promised beneficiaries that his outfit would continue to pay regular visits to beneficiaries to offer them guidelines and direction in order to succeed in their chosen career.

He further called on the youth, irrespective of their academic level, to take advantage of any skill training offered by REP since skills acquired today could be beneficial tomorrow.

A beneficiary, Agatha Yaweh, expressed her appreciation to the government and the assembly for the support.**