In a heartwarming display of gratitude, beneficiaries of the Kayayei Empowerment Initiative have lauded the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the programme, describing it as a beacon of hope in their quest to break the cycle of poverty.
The kayayei initiative being implemented by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) is the brainchild of Dr. Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to give kayayei (head porters) skills for sustainable livelihoods.
At the 3rd cohort graduation ceremony held in Accra yesterday, the head porters, who have been marginalised and overlooked for years, praised Dr. Bawumia, chanting his name and the “It’s Possible” slogan.
The head porters,in a speech, pledged to vote for him in the upcoming December 7 elections to maintain the initiative and help their colleagues who are yet to benefit.
The NEIP graduated 1,800 young women, mostly head porters, through its Skills Empowerment Programme, launched in 2024.
The programme aims to equip beneficiaries with vocational skills, promoting self-sufficiency and dignity.
NEIP Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kofi OfosuNkansah, said, “This programme is the brainchild of His Excellency, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has been instrumental in driving this vision forward.”
The programme has provided training in baking, soap-making, pedicure and manicure, bead-making, décor, and makeup. Mr. Nkansah noted, “This initiative has not only taught skills but also offered hope, provided a safe haven, and nurtured dreams.”
Graduates have already started entrepreneurial ventures, creating some 1,800 indirect jobs and reducing unemployment.
Mr. Nkansahexpressed gratitude to all involved, including trainers, facilitators, supervisors, donors, and the Vice President.
“We at NEIP reserve the biggest gratitude to His Excellency the Vice President for this vision, and we are proud to have been partners in this great endeavour,” he said.
He reaffirmed NEIP’s commitment to supporting initiatives that create pathways to dignity and self-sufficiency.
“Together, we can build a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances,” he said.
The NEIP is expected to reach 5,000 beneficiaries, with 600 participants per cohort each month, running until December 2024.
This initiative follows the inauguration of the Kayayei Empowerment Training Centre by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Madina, Accra.
The primary aim of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme is to provide head porters with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
BY Daniel Bampoe