The Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has empowered 129 young artisans in Damongo with essential start-up tools to boost their trades and enhance local economic growth. The distribution took place on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, drawing together beneficiaries, community leaders, and officials of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly.
Beneficiaries were drawn from various trades including carpentry, barbering, welding, auto mechanics, electrical works, plumbing, painting and more forming part of the Business in a Box (BizBox) Project, aimed at supporting youth aged 18 to 35 with the tools and skills needed to transition from apprenticeship to entrepreneurship.
The event was attended by NDC Party executives, Assembly Members, heads of departments, and other stakeholders.
In his address, the Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja Municipal Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, applauded the artisans for their invaluable contribution to the municipality’s development. He emphasized that without their skilled hands, critical infrastructure such as housing, water systems, and roadworks could not be completed.
He announced plans by the Assembly to secure land for the creation of an industrial hub in Damongo, aimed at providing a conducive environment for artisans to operate comfortably. The MCE assured artisans of upcoming major projects including the Fufulso – Sawla Road Project and the Damongo–Tamale–Yendi Water Project which he said will heavily rely on local tradespeople.
To ensure local participation, he mandated contractors working within West Gonja Municipality to employ at least 80% local artisans, assuring them of the professionalism and integrity of tradespeople in the area.
Hon. Castro further encouraged artisans to form cooperatives or companies, promising to facilitate contract awards for groups that organize themselves within the next six months.
“By the next three to four years, I want 50% of municipal projects to be executed by our own local contractors,” he emphasized.
Regional GEA Manager, Sina Adams, speaking on behalf of the Agency’s CEO, Madam Margaret Ansei, explained that the distribution falls under the BizBox Project, a four-year initiative funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by GEA.
He highlighted that many youth complete their apprenticeship training but lack the capital to start their own businesses. The project therefore provides tools to enable immediate start-up, while also encouraging beneficiaries to train others in the future.
“The skills and tools empower them to start work immediately. This reduces youth unemployment, idleness, and the tendency for social vices,” he noted.
Mr. Adams assured that the project is only in its second year, and more young people will have opportunities to apply for support in the remaining two years.
A total of 129 artisans benefited from the distribution. They were drawn from sectors such as:
Auto mechanics, Auto electricians, Carpenters, Barbers, Welders, Electricians, Painters and Plumbers.
The ceremony marked a major milestone in empowering Damongo’s youth and strengthening the municipality’s local workforce. With increased support, training, and opportunities ahead, stakeholders say the initiative will stimulate job creation, reduce crime, and contribute to long-term economic sustainability in the West Gonja Municipality.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
