News
Work begins on SDA Church vocational training school construction
The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church last Wednesday cut sod for the construction of a $312,000 vocational training school at Effiduase in the New Juaben North Municipality to address youth unemployment.
The project, funded by the Global Mission Impact Fund of the General Conference of the SDA Church with support from the East Ghana Conference, the South Ghana Union Conference, and WAD, is expected to be completed by the end of July.
Dubbed ‘Breaking the poverty cycle’, the facility is designed to train more than 3,000 community members and promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
In his address, Pastor Prof. Owalabi Oyeleke Alabi said the project was mission-oriented and represents the church’s way of giving back to society.
Pastor Prof. Alabi called on leaders to uphold accountability, transparency, and honesty so that “the glory of the Lord will be seen in the community.”
He also advised the youth not to let their current circumstances determine their future.
“If you cannot change the living conditions and situation through government, be part of governance. Through your effort, change the future of any community or country you find yourself in,” he said.
The Project Coordinator, Elder Enoch Agyei-Darko, said the project was spearheaded by the Newlife SDA Church in Anlo Town and was rooted in addressing real socio-economic challenges.
He explained that the project will deliver practical, income-generating skills through vocational training in areas such as hairdressing, dressmaking, ICT, catering, bakery, water production, block molding, welding, and sign writing.
These initiatives, he said, will empower beneficiaries to secure employment or establish their own businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic independence within the community.
He noted that the classrooms will accommodate 300 learners at a time, allowing the same number of new students to enroll every six months.
Elder Agyei-Darko added that the project emphasizes life-skills development, financial literacy, health awareness, parenting, and personal development to ensure beneficiaries were not only economically empowered but also equipped to make informed and responsible life decisions.
He stressed that the project’s success will depend on collective commitment from the church, the community, and stakeholders.
He called for continuous collaboration, strong monitoring, efficient use of resources, and community ownership.
The ceremony was graced by the President of the East Ghana Conference, Pastor Dr. Samuel Bonya Arloo; the South Ghana Union Conference President, Pastor Col. Peter Nyarko Duodu; Newlife District Pastor, Pastor Osei Bonsu Sarpong; traditional leaders; Newlife District elders; church members; and community members.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event that brings together Heads of State, government officials, global investors, and technology experts.
The forum, being held under the patronage of Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, is on the theme “Political Stability, Business Climate, and Artificial Intelligence: Catalysts for Growth.”
The forum seeks to position Gabon as a regional innovation hub and key destination for international investment.
Organisers are holding the Forum to inaugurate the newly constructed Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Centre, which also serves as the venue for the Forum and as a future centre for international dialogue.
The forum will culminate in the “Libreville Declaration,” which will showcase the strategic political leaders’ commitments to enhancing governance, transparency, and digital integration across the continent.
President Mahama remains a strong advocate for fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between government policy and private-sector growth to ensure inclusive development.
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, of his decision to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed this during a courtesy call on Dr. Bawumia on May Day.
According to a statement from his team, the visit gave him the opportunity to commend the former Vice President for his service to both the New Patriotic Party and the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Agyarko, together with members of his campaign team, formally notified Dr. Bawumia of his planned nationwide tour as part of his campaign for the National Chairman position.
He reaffirmed his support for the former Vice President and stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Agyarko said the NPP must remain united and committed to securing victory in the next elections.
According to the statement, his nationwide tour is expected to begin in the Ashanti Region next week.
By: Jacob Aggrey
