Barbara Asher Ayisi
Deputy Minister of Works & Housing, Barbara Asher Ayisi, has admonished female entrepreneurs to develop their skills in order to be competitive.
Speaking at this year’s Oguaa Fetu Afahye, Ms. Ayisi, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast North, noted that women can contribute meaningfully to society’s development by enhancing their skills through the acquisition of new knowledge about doing things.
She said on the assumption of office as MP for Cape Coast North, she realised the need to support women entrepreneurs in order to enable them to expand their businesses.
“I provided interest-free loans to several women within the constituency,” she disclosed.
The minister, however, stated that due to the default in payment of the loans, “I shall provide you with the items needed to set you up in business. For instance, if you are into pastries, I will provide you with the materials required to prepare your pastries for sale.”
She mentioned that she would also put in place a system of training to sharpen the entrepreneurial skills of the women.
The deputy minister cautioned the women to be mindful of their health, stressing that “you need to be healthy to be able to take care of your families. Go for periodic health screening and be sure everything is okay with your health.”
Ms. Ayisi also used the occasion to inaugurate a mechanised water project for the people of Effutu-Koforidua.
She said the water project was undertaken with support from the Maranatha Power Ministries in Accra.
Addressing the audience prior to the inauguration, the founder of Maranatha Power Ministries, Bishop Afotey Odai, revealed that the church, with support from its partners, has embarked on several key projects in various communities as part of its social responsibility to better the lives of people.
He said the welfare of women should be of utmost importance to all, hence his commitment to ensuring that they are well taken care of.
The Odikro of Effutu-Koforidua, Nana Sakyi, expressed his gratitude to the MP and Maranatha Power Ministries for the project and pledged to maintain it in order to benefit the entire community.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri