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153 apprentices in Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality receive start-up kits
Kosi Yankey Ayeh
153 apprentices, who have successfully completed training in various vocations in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, have received start-up kits to establish their own businesses.
The beneficiaries were given sewing machines, hair dryers, spraying and welding machines, and a certificate.
Distributing the start-up kits to the beneficiaries at a graduation ceremony in Ahwetieso, Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in a speech read on her behalf said, these aspiring entrepreneurs have honed valuable skills in hairdressing, baking and confectionery, sewing and welding skills that would empower them to transform their passion into sustainable enterprises.
She encouraged them to use the skills and resources they have gained to make a meaningful impact in their communities and added that, they should not hesitate to reach out to their Business Advisory Centre’s whenever they had challenges.
Mrs Yankey-Ayeh said the Apprenticeship Programme, a vital component of the Business in Box Project, was a collaborative initiative between the GEA and Mastercard Foundation.
She said the government of Ghana, remained steadfast in its commitment to providing dignified and sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
According to her, since 2017, the GEA had facilitated the creation of over 109, 471 jobs, with an impressive 67 per cent benefiting women.
Mr George Mireku Duker, Member of Parliament for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency and the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, observed that it was better to equip the youth who were eager to work than to give them a token.
The laudable programme, he said, must be replicated everywhere for the teeming youth, who were struggling to get jobs, so they could establish themselves for a better future.
Mr Duker stated that he had distributed equipment to support thousands of youths in his constituency and was therefore happy that the government was also committed to getting this programme done.
Mr Benjamin Kessie, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tarkwa Nsuaem Assembly said, through the programme 250,000 jobs would be created within four years by the implementers, who were on course.
He expressed gratitude to the President, Vice President, and the MP for initiating the programme to aid the youth, adding that the MP from day one had worked so hard to ensure that the youth in his constituency got a fair share of these equipment.
Businessman and politician Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced a change in his legal representation in the ongoing criminal case against him.
In a statement issued by him, Wontumi said he has appointed former Member of Parliament and lawyer, Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead defence counsel.
He explained that the decision was taken after careful consultation and is in line with his constitutional right to choose his own lawyer.
According to him, the change is intended to ensure that his defence is properly and effectively presented before the court in accordance with the law.
Wontumi expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their work on the case, stressing that the decision to replace them should not be seen as a reflection of their competence or dedication.
He noted that he remains committed to defending himself through due process and insisted that, like every accused person, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
He added that the prosecution carries the burden of proving the charges against him beyond reasonable doubt.
Wontumi further stated that his new lawyer will take steps to review the case file and handle all necessary applications and submissions to protect his right to a fair trial.
He called on the public and all parties involved to avoid speculation and allow the legal process to continue without interference.
He expressed confidence that the court process will be guided by the Constitution and the principles of justice and fairness.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, says President John Mahama’s decision to reduce the number of political appointees has saved the state millions of cedis in public spending.
Addressing journalists during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 15, 2026, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye said the current administration has reduced the number of political appointees from 355 under the previous government to 233.
According to him, the reduction has significantly lowered government expenditure on salaries, accommodation, official vehicles and other benefits provided to political appointees.
He explained that reports suggesting the current government is spending more on compensation despite having fewer appointees were inaccurate and failed to take into account salary adjustments approved for officials who served under the previous administration.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye noted that the salaries and conditions of service currently being enjoyed by President Mahama’s appointees were determined by a committee established under the previous government and not by the current administration.
He said former appointees under the Akufo-Addo administration had received salary top-ups and other payments based on recommendations made by the committee, adding that these additional payments were not reflected in some of the comparisons being made.
“The reduction has saved money, running into millions,” he stated.
The minister further indicated that President Mahama has not purchased new vehicles for many of his appointees, with some officials using their personal vehicles for official duties.
According to him, this has further reduced government expenditure and contributed to efforts to ensure prudent management of public resources.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye also criticised reports that suggested there was no financial benefit from reducing the number of appointees. He argued that such reports failed to seek clarification from government before publication and therefore did not present the full picture.
He maintained that when all costs associated with political appointments are considered, including salaries, accommodation, vehicles and other benefits, the current administration is spending less because it has fewer appointees.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye reiterated that the government’s decision to maintain a lean presidency forms part of efforts to reduce public expenditure while ensuring efficient governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
