Ghana needs transferable skills to reduce unemployment

Apostle Stephen Kwame Amoani, Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI), has observed that the transferring of employable skills and knowledge to the youth is what the country needs to reduce its unemployment rate.

Making the observation at the 32nd Annual Certification Day of the Opportunities Industrialization Centre, Ghana (OICG), at Shaishie near Legon in Accra at the weekend, he stressed the need to inculcate in the youth a high sense of discipline, hard work, integrity, moral uprightness and the fear of God.

The theme for the occasion, which saw the presentation of certificates to 205 trainees from the Accra branch of the Centre, including 39 orphans and vulnerable children for the 2006-07 academic year was "OICG-Providing Employable Skills for the Youth".

Apostle Amoani, who was the Guest Speaker, noted that the centre's mission and vision was to be self-sustaining, leading vocational institute in Ghana and a contributor to human resource development, required that it received sponsorship from well-meaning Ghanaians and institutions.

He appealed to the government to mainstream OICG in the educational system, and to provide the needed recognition and resources to help the centre to make a positive impact on society.

The Chairman of CACI also urged religious bodies and non-governmental organizations to see the centre as a partner in providing quality services to mankind and offer financial assistance to some of its trainees.

He reminded those passing out that they could only succeed or prosper if they stuck to hard work, discipline and integrity and urged artisans to eschew corruption.

Apostle Amoani further reminded them that their success or failure in life would depend on the type of services they rendered to their customers.

General Emmanuel Erskine, Chairman of the OICG Accra Local Programme Committee, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the centre and commended them for their vision and foresight.

Gen. Erskine advised those passing out to make maximum use of the skills they had acquired, in order to take their proper place in society.

He lauded the Osu RE branch of the Rotary Club and the Elbow Valley Elementary School in Canada, for donating furniture and books to equip and expand the centre's library.

Mr Kwaku Asamani Asante, Programme Manager of OICG, said they undertook a two-year training programme in carpentry, block-laying, plumbing, general electrical, computer skills and catering.

Mr Asante said since its inception in 1971 the Accra branch of the centre had provided employable skills to a little over 9,000 graduates, adding that Ghana Prisons Service alone employed a sizeable number from the centre.

Mr Daniel Yirenya-Tawiah, Welfare Manager, Africa West Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who chaired the function, asked the trainees to show commitment, dedication and enthusiasm, in order to come out with flying colours.

Dr Emmanuel Dogbatse, Board Member of OICG, presented the Best Instructor Award to Mr Rashid Ashongmor.