MCE urges youth to set up enterprises

Captain Anthony Cudjoe (rtd), Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Monday called on the youth to take advantage of the Youth Enterprises and Skills Development Centre (YESDEC) programme to set up their own enterprises.

According to him, youth unemployment would be a thing of the past if the youth take advantage of the various government interventions to establish their own businesses

He made the call when addressing 200 beneficiaries of the YESDEC in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis who had completed skills and managerial training in Sekondi.

Courses undertaken by the beneficiaries included barbering, dressmaking, photography and hairdressing.

He said the youth stand to benefit in the long term when they are self-employed instead of looking for non-existent government employment.

Captain Cudjoe said it will not be easy in the beginning for people to establish their own businesses but with commitment and hardwork success will be chalked.

He advised those who want to go into self-employment to cultivate the habit of saving and to manage their businesses properly.

Mr. Eric Kofi Hope, Western Regional Coordinator of YESDEC, said the programme is an offshoot of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to assist people who have completed their service with the programme to establish their own businesses.

He said beneficiaries must first register with the NYEP after their service or hands-on training.

According to Mr Hope, the YESDEC is non-political and beneficiaries need not be members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the fact that the NDC government initiated and implemented the YESDEC concept does not mean that it is using it for political purposes.

Mr. Hope said beneficiaries should, therefore, make it a point to repay loans used to procure tools and equipment for them.

Source: GNA