The Head of Station of Akoma FM, Ransford Nana Osei Asare, has reiterated their commitment to empower more women with vocational skills through its entrepreneurship program, Akoma FM Boafo) project.
At the maiden graduation of 30 trainees, he said that after offering them the training, they also help them to start working.
“In the next few years, we will empower more women with vocati onal skills and help them with startups. We also did several health screenings for women,” he said.
The Akoma FM Boafo) Project was instituted last year with the aim of providing vocational training to the youth. The main target is complementing government effort in reducing the rate of youth unemployment.
Beneficiaries were given training on make-up, soap making, and hair dressing.
Mr Ransford Nana Osei Asare, encouraged women to explore opportunities beyond their region.
“Let’s look beyond the boundaries of the region and look for opportunities elsewhere. Akoma FM is making a great impact, and the women would have to make good use of it,” he said.
He advised them to maximise benefits from the project and hinted that the next project will have space for young men.
The Programmes Manager of Akoma FM, Beatrice Spio Garbrah, raised concerns over some women not taking advantage of the training and skills development.
She urged women entrepreneurs to maintain a positive mindset.
She encouraged women entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a steppingstone to success, reminding them it’s natural part of growth.
She noted that financial constraints have been a challenge, saying, “Funding is a challenge to us; we rely on family and friends to fund our projects. Thank you to anyone who supported our projects. We need funding support to empower more women in the region,” she appealed.
She said the project was established to provide livelihoods for young women.
The Technical Advisor to Akoma FM Boafo) Project, Kwame Opoku Williams, encouraged the trainees to add value to their craft as they enter the market.
He emphasized the importance of women supporting each other. “To be appreciated in a community, women would have to come out to support each other. Women have the potential but need to be empowered. Family also needs to be seen as a support system for both men and women.”
