The usually busy Winneba Junction lorry station was transformed into a hub of optimism and purpose on Saturday, February 7, 2026 as the Effutu Municipal Assembly rolled out a major empowerment initiative aimed at reshaping the future of local artisans and apprentices.
In a colourful and well-attended ceremony, the Assembly, under the visionary leadership of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah, officially distributed high-quality toolkits and start-up equipment to 30 mastercraft persons and apprentices, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) under the National Youth Authority.
The event drew an impressive array of stakeholders, reflecting the broad national and local support behind the programme. Present were the Central Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mr. Ebenezer Abeiku Essien, executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), religious leaders, traditional and opinion leaders, heads of municipal departments, and other distinguished invited guests.
Together, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah and Mr. Essien led the symbolic handover of professional toolkits, an act that went beyond ceremony to signal a renewed commitment to youth development, skills training, and economic resilience in the Effutu Municipality.
Delivering a compelling keynote address, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah described the National Apprenticeship Programme as far more than a job-creation initiative.
“This initiative is a shield for the youth and a pillar for the economy,” he declared.
According to the MCE, the programme provides a direct and sustainable pathway to financial independence, while actively engaging young people in productive ventures that reduce social vices such as drug abuse, theft, and teenage pregnancy. He emphasized that strengthening technical and vocational skills is essential to building a robust ‘Made in Ghana’ workforce capable of competing locally and globally.
Addressing the beneficiaries directly, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah offered a powerful reflection on the enduring value of vocational skills, contrasting them with conventional career paths.
“In every other profession, there is a period for pension where you must stop working,” he noted.
“But in mastercraft and entrepreneurship, there is no such thing as a pension period. Your skill is your wealth, and it stays with you for life.”
He urged artisans and apprentices to treat the opportunity as a long-term investment in their future, stressing discipline, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
“Learning a skill helps a nation to improve. Let us make the best use of these tools to promote the economic growth of our municipality and Ghana at large,” he added.
The ceremony culminated in the distribution of modern vocational equipment, including industrial sewing machines, knitting machines, hand sewing machines, hair dryers, and complete professional salon starter kits. The items were presented to mastercraft persons, popularly referred to as “Madams” to ensure apprentices receive hands-on training using contemporary, high-standard tools aligned with industry demands.
Saturday’s presentation underscored the Effutu Municipal Assembly’s proactive and people-centered approach to tackling unemployment and poverty. By investing directly in the skills and productivity of its citizens, the Assembly is laying the groundwork for a self-reliant, resilient, and inclusive local economy.
More than the distribution of tools, the initiative represents the planting of seeds, seeds of opportunity, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods whose impact is expected to ripple far beyond Winneba and into the broader national development agenda.
STORY BY: CHARLES BAAH ABOAGYE & MERCY YAA BREDU
PICTURE CREDIT: EMMANUEL AGOSU
ISD- EFFUTU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
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