About 200 youth from the Zongo communities within the Kumasi Metropolis have graduated in fashion design.The programme was initiated by Sarki Alhaji Abdullai Ali Barry, the Asanteman Zongo Nkosuohene.
The initiative seeks to reduce mass unskilled unemployed youth within the Zongo enclave and to create economic independence and empowerment through skills acquisition.
Alhaji Barry provided GH¢10,000 to support the programme.
At a mass graduation ceremony held at the forecourt of the Central Mosque in Kumasi, under the auspices of the National Association of Muslim Garment Designers, the graduates were presented with certificates of participation.
Sarki Ali Barry congratulated the graduates and urged them to transform their livelihoods with the newly-acquired skills.
He hoped his offer would enable them to procure some few necessary tools to equip them in their business to fend for themselves and their families.
“Many young people are losing out on jobs due to lack of relevant skills and as Zongo Nkosuohene in the Ashanti Region, my aim is to reduce the high rate of unemployment among the youth through such initiatives”, he stated.
He expressed confidence in the potential of the graduates and urged them to showcase their dedication and commitment to the profession, as a way of contributing to the economic development of Zongo communities and the country.
Sarki Barry called on idle youth to seize the opportunity to train in other skills to eke out a decent living.
He also admonished Ghanaians to patronise local clothing in order to reduce the importation of foreign ones.
The graduation ceremony was graced by dignitaries from the Muslim community, traditional leaders, the Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, who donated GH¢5,000.
Other attendees were Alhaji Akeem Saliwa, a representative of NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Asawase Constituency and Manaf Ibrahim who also donated GH¢4,000.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
