A total of 184 individuals from the hospitality and tourism sector in the Upper West Region have successfully completed the Ghana Cares Obatampa program, an initiative by the government through the Ministry of Finance aimed at post-COVID-19 recovery.

These graduates underwent comprehensive and hands-on skills training provided by the Tamale Technical University (TaTU), an implementing institution for the Ghana Cares Obatampa program in the northern region of Ghana.

Among the graduates, 49 completed their training in Front Office Operation, 71 in Conferencing, Banqueting, and Event Management, and 64 in Food Processing and Preparation.

During the graduation ceremony in Wa, Dr. Michael Akurugu Brigandi, Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee at TaTU, emphasized that this training was an integral component of the government's post-COVID-19 measures to mitigate the pandemic's impact on businesses in the country.

He lauded the government's responsiveness to the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and its associated consequences on businesses throughout the nation. Dr. Brigandi expressed optimism that the skills acquired by these young entrepreneurs would enhance their business operations, improve product and service quality, and ultimately boost the profitability of their enterprises.

“I have always said the certificate is like a taxi, it will carry you to wherever you are going but what will keep you there are your skills, knowledge, competence, and dedication.

I would, therefore, like to urge you all not to be content with the certificates you will be taking today but also the training that the government has spent money on to train you is something that has added value to your life and to your work as professionals in your various areas of operation,” Dr. Brigandi explained.

The Chairman of the Committee, who stood in for the Vice Chancellor of TaTU, encouraged the graduates to share the knowledge and skills they acquired during their training with their apprentices and those in their communities.

Mr. Abdul-Rahaman Mei-goro, the Personal Assistant to the Upper West Regional Minister, representing the Minister, emphasized that this training showcased the President's determination to rejuvenate businesses in the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He commended the graduates, stating that they were "living proof" of the government's commitment to reviving businesses affected by the pandemic.

In her valedictory speech, Umu Salwa Mu-awia expressed gratitude to the government for the valuable training they had received, acknowledging that the skills acquired would have a positive impact on their businesses.

“We are ambassadors of change, custodians of wisdom imparted to us, and champions of a revitalised hospitality and tourism industry.

“Let us redefine standards, embrace diversity, and foster a culture of continuous learning,” she intimated.

Mu-awia inspired her coworkers to work toward turning their "dreams into tangible realities and challenges into opportunities."