The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) on Thursday 29th August celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its Kayayei Empowerment Programme, with approximately 600 young women successfully completing various skilled training initiatives.
This comes on the back of the successful implementation of the first two editions of the training programmes.
The event, held at one of the two designated training centers located in Madina Accra, marked another milestone for the programme, which was launched by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia earlier this year.
During the ceremony, the graduates, fully robed in academic gowns, were recognized for their achievements, with several receiving awards for outstanding performance throughout the month-long training.
The Kayayei Empowerment Programme focuses on equipping young women, many of whom work as head porters in urban markets, with vocational skills that can significantly improve their livelihoods.
This intervention is a testament to the NPP government’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by these women who, for far too long, have been marginalized and overlooked.
These women, often working under harsh and unsafe conditions, have been the backbone of our informal economy, yet they have not always received the support they so rightly deserve.
This programme represents a significant milestone in our journey towards equality and social justice.
By providing training, financial support, and healthcare services, the government is not just alleviating the immediate burdens faced by the Kayayei but is also laying the foundation for their long-term empowerment.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, CEO of NEIP, outlined the scope of the training provided to the beneficiaries.
“The young women were empowered with practical skills in areas such as soap and detergent making, baking, pedicure and manicure, beading, decor, and makeup artistry.
Additionally, they were trained in financial management and business development skills to enable them to successfully launch and sustain their own businesses,” Nkansah stated.
He added: “This initiative is not just about giving them a handout; it is about giving them a hand up—empowering them to rise above their circumstances and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
The impact of this programme is already being felt across our communities. We see Kayayei women gaining new skills, starting small businesses, and becoming financially independent.
We witness their renewed sense of dignity and self-worth as they realize that their contributions are valued and that they have the potential to achieve so much more.
To support the graduates as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, the programme also provided them with starter packs and micro-grants.”
Nkansah further highlighted the structure of the training, noting that the curriculum included three weeks of vocational skills training followed by one week of financial management, business development services, and general life skills education.
“We aim to train 600 Kayayeis from the two hostels each month,” Nkansah emphasized, underscoring the programme’s commitment to empowering young women across the country.
The Kayayei Empowerment Centre, which serves as the venue for the training, was officially launched by Vice President Bawumia in May 2024.
He further stated that the initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to address youth unemployment and provide sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to particularly Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for this bold visionary initiative.
This programme is a shining example of what can be achieved when we prioritize the needs of all our citizens, regardless of their social or economic status.
….It is a powerful reminder that when we empower women, we empower the entire nation. Let us continue to support and uplift the Kayayei, and all vulnerable groups, as we work together to build a more equitable and prosperous society.
The government has taken a bold step forward, and it is now up to us, as a community, to sustain and expand these efforts.
At this point, let us remember that the true measure of our nation’s progress lies in how we treat the least privileged among us.
The Kayayei Empowerment Programme is a beacon of hope, a symbol of our collective determination to ensure that no one is left behind.
Thank you, and may we continue to strive for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.”
