Facility Manager of the Kayayei Empowerment Project, Emmanuel Asamoah, has disclosed that the initiative has successfully equipped over 5,000 head porters, popularly referred to as kayayei, with various skills to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods.During a meeting with artisans, market women, entrepreneurs, motor riders, and members of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) in Ho, Mr.

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Asamoah emphasized the programme's dedication to providing vocational training for these women, many of whom migrated from northern Ghana to urban areas in search of better opportunities.He shared that as part of the project, around 100 women received training in professional driving. These women are now qualified to operate buses stationed at five facilities established by the Vice President across different regions of the country.Mr.

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Asamoah explained that the training aims to empower participants with practical skills, enabling them to actively participate in the transportation sector while gaining financial independence and improving their overall economic prospects.“The driving training for these women marks a significant step in breaking gender barriers in the transportation industry.

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We are proud to see them take on roles that were previously male-dominated,” he stated.Mr. Asamoah highlighted the significant impact of the Kayayei Empowerment Project, stating that it goes beyond skills training by creating opportunities for beneficiaries to improve their livelihoods and support their families.

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He noted that the initiative seeks to help head porters establish stable careers, reducing their reliance on informal and often insecure street-based work.“This programme is designed to transform the lives of the beneficiaries, helping them to achieve a better quality of life and secure a stable income,” Mr. Asamoah added.

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He assured the various groups in attendance that their concerns would be taken into account, emphasizing the project’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by artisans, entrepreneurs, and other participants to help them excel in their fields.Mr. Andy Kuffour, a representative of the Identifiable Groups Campaign Team, also spoke at the event.

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He shared that the Vice President and the party’s flagbearer had directed the team to engage directly with these groups to gain insights into their difficulties and propose practical solutions.He highlighted that several issues raised during the meeting were already incorporated into the flagbearer’s development plans.Mr.

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Kuffour further noted that many participants require startup kits to launch their own ventures, adding that the Vice President has begun rolling out such initiatives as part of his broader economic empowerment strategy.“The Vice President is committed to ensuring that those who need startup resources to launch their businesses receive the necessary support.

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This initiative is part of a broader plan to promote entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance,” Mr. Kuffour explained.The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to supporting the youth and various trade groups, aiming to foster a more inclusive and resilient economy in the Volta Region and beyond.

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