The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya Krobo Constituency in the Eastern Region, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has officially commissioned three apprenticeship and skills development centers at Kpong, Akuse, and Odumase.
The centres, which are equipped with modern dressmaking and knitting facilities, are designed to provide practical support for young people who have successfully completed vocational training but lack the financial resources to establish their own businesses.
The launch of the initiative marks a significant step in the MP’s broader agenda to promote self-employment, entrepreneurship, and economic independence among the youth of the constituency.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies over the weekend, Terlabi explained that the project was inspired by challenges identified following the distribution of more than 100 sewing machines to apprentices last year.
According to him, while the sewing machines were intended to help beneficiaries establish their own businesses after graduation, many of the recipients struggled to put the equipment to productive use due to a lack of capital, workspace among others.
“After we distributed the sewing machines, we observed that a number of the beneficiaries had completed their apprenticeship, but could not afford to rent shops or acquire the additional equipment needed to begin work independently,” he stated.
“In some cases, the machines remained unused in homes because the owners had no suitable place to operate from. This situation compelled us to think beyond the distribution of equipment and create a more sustainable solution that would genuinely transform lives.”
To address these challenges, the MP established the Apprenticeship and Skills Development Centres, which will serve as shared workspaces where trained dressmakers and apprentices can practice their trade free of charge while building capital to establish their own enterprises.
Each of the three centres has been fitted with approximately 50 sewing and knitting machines, creating opportunities for dozens of young artisans to work simultaneously in a professional environment.
Hon. Terlabi further disclosed that all operational costs associated with the centres, including electricity and water bills, will be personally covered by his office to ensure that users can focus on building their businesses without additional financial burdens.
“This initiative is intended to bridge the gap between apprenticeship training and self-employment. We want our young people to have the opportunity to earn an income immediately after training instead of remaining unemployed because they lack startup capital,” he said.
The deputy interior minister stressed that the programme is not merely about providing machines but about creating a pathway toward economic empowerment and long-term financial stability.
He encouraged beneficiaries to cultivate a culture of savings and financial discipline, urging them to reinvest their earnings into their future businesses.
“My expectation is that beneficiaries will use these facilities responsibly, save part of the income they earn, and eventually establish their own tailoring and dressmaking shops. The centres are stepping stones toward independence and entrepreneurship,” he advised.
Terlabi also revealed that plans are already underway to expand the initiative to cover other vocational sectors, particularly hairdressing, pedicure, and manicure services. He noted, however, that securing suitable accommodation remains the main challenge delaying the rollout of the additional training and production centres.
“We are determined to extend this support to other vocational professions. The only obstacle at the moment is finding spacious facilities that can accommodate the equipment and trainees,” he explained. The launch was met with excitement and appreciation from beneficiaries and community members, many of whom described the initiative as timely and transformative.
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