News
44 graduate from skills training programme organised by CNC
A total of 44 individuals, comprising 40 females and four males, have successfully graduated from the Marketable Skills Training Programme organised by the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in the Eastern Region.
The initiative was designed to equip the youth with employable skills to make them more competitive in the job market.
The one-month training programme covered a wide range of practical areas including bead making, batik, tie-and-dye, manicure and pedicure, interior and exterior decoration, weaving, basic and advanced sewing, fascinator making, facial makeup, and crocheting.
The annual programme aims to empower participants with hands-on skills to promote self-reliance and improve their economic well-being.
At the maiden graduation ceremony, the Acting Eastern Regional Director of CNC, Ms Salamatu Alhassan, who spearheaded the training, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the programme.
She said the initiative did not only fulfill the CNC’s mandate but also reflected the centre’s dedication to national development, youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation.
She also challenged the outdated perception that skills-based training was for the less intelligent, stressing that vocational training offered an alternative path to success and a way out of hopelessness.
She encouraged the graduands to uphold values such as discipline, innovation, integrity, customer service, and financial literacy as they put their newly acquired skills to use.
The Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Mr Wakefield Ackuaku, also commended the CNC in the Eastern Region for the impactful initiative.
He noted that cultural industries were becoming increasingly important as major sources of employment, especially for the youth.
He urged the graduands to apply professionalism to their craft in order to earn a sustainable livelihood and contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the national economy.
One of the beneficiaries, Alice Ampiah, a dressmaker, shared her experience, noting that before the training, she lacked skills in beading and often had to outsource that part of her work.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
President John Dramani Mahama joined the National Chief Imam, Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and the Muslim community at the Black Star Square for Eid ul-Fitr prayers, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In his address, the President underscored that Eid represents not only a moment of celebration but also a call to sustain the values of discipline, sacrifice, and compassion cultivated during Ramadan. He urged Ghanaians to carry forward the spirit of the holy month in their daily interactions, promoting unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.
President Mahama reaffirmed government’s commitment to inclusive national development, emphasizing that efforts are being made to ensure that progress reaches every part of the country. He noted that national development requires a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
Highlighting Ghana’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony, the President described the nation as a shining example of peaceful coexistence and called on all citizens to safeguard this unity by rejecting division and fostering national cohesion.
The National Chief Imam commended the President for his leadership and fulfillment of commitments to the Ghanaian people, and offered prayers for his continued strength, wisdom, and success. He further called on all government appointees to support the President in advancing policies aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
The President also extended his warm wishes to all Muslims in Ghana on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr and prayed for continued peace, stability, and prosperity for the nation.
The Government of Ghana says it will engage authorities in Burkina Faso following the West African country’s recent ban on the export of fresh tomatoes.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry confirmed in a press release that the ban, which took effect on March 16, 2026, has prompted Ghana to open discussions with its neighbours to find a mutually beneficial solution.
The government said the talks will involve relevant state institutions and aim to address concerns surrounding the suspension while protecting the interests of Ghanaian traders and consumers.
The ministry urged tomato traders to remain calm as efforts are underway to secure an amicable resolution.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to boosting local tomato production through the “Feed Ghana” and “Feed the Industry” programmes.
These initiatives it said are designed to increase domestic output to meet market demand and reduce reliance on imports.
By: Jacob Aggrey
