Take entrepreneurship seriously — Ms. Bonsu urges young people

The Principal of High Lady Beautician School in Goaso, Ms. Dorothy Bonsu, has urged young people, particularly young girls, to take entrepreneurship and vocational skills training seriously, describing skills acquisition as a powerful tool for fighting unemployment and building economic independence.

For Ms. Bonsu, the solution to youth unemployment should not depend entirely on the availability of formal-sector jobs. She believes that equipping young people with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset can empower them to create opportunities for themselves and, eventually, for others.

Speaking during an interaction with the media at the school’s premises in Goaso, Ms. Bonsu said young people must be encouraged to see vocational training as a viable career path capable of transforming their lives.

She said the beauty and cosmetology industry, in particular, continues to present opportunities for young women who are willing to learn, work hard and turn their skills into viable businesses.

“The beauty industry continues to create opportunities for young people. We want to encourage the youth to take skills training seriously because it provides a practical route to self-employment and financial independence. With commitment and the right training, they can build successful careers and even employ others,” she said.

Ms. Bonsu also made a strong appeal to the government to support young girls who are interested in acquiring vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

She explained that many young people have the willingness to learn a trade but may lack the financial resources needed to access quality training, acquire equipment or establish their businesses after completing their programmes.

According to her, targeted government support for such young people could help turn skills training into sustainable livelihoods while reducing the pressure on the government to provide jobs for every graduate.

“The government should support young girls who want to acquire skills. If we support them to learn and establish their own businesses, they can employ themselves and eventually employ other people. This will help reduce the burden of unemployment on the government,” Ms. Bonsu said.

She stressed that entrepreneurship should be taken seriously from the early stages of skills training, encouraging young people to think beyond simply obtaining certificates.

For Ms. Bonsu, acquiring a skill is only the beginning. Young entrepreneurs must also learn how to manage money, understand their customers, market their services, maintain professional standards and reinvest in their businesses if they want to succeed.

She said this was why High Lady Beautician School places emphasis not only on practical training but also on preparing students to become confident and independent professionals.

The school currently offers training in Wig Making, Hairdressing, Makeup Artistry, Hair Braiding, Nail Technology and other beauty-related disciplines, combining classroom instruction with hands-on practical sessions.

Ms. Bonsu said her vision was to see more young women become financially independent through skills that could be converted into sustainable businesses.

She encouraged parents and guardians to support young people who have an interest in vocational education instead of making them feel that success can only be achieved through conventional academic programmes.

She also urged young people who are currently unemployed or struggling to find formal employment to consider acquiring practical skills that can give them greater control over their economic future.

According to Ms. Bonsu, the current admissions exercise at High Lady Beautician School is part of efforts to provide more young people with access to practical training and prepare them for opportunities within the growing beauty industry.

She said graduates of the institution receive certificates recognised by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), providing them with opportunities to pursue employment within and outside Ghana or establish their own enterprises.

Located off Atta Mills Road in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital, High Lady Beautician School continues to train young people in various areas of beauty and cosmetology.

But for Ms. Bonsu, the broader goal goes beyond teaching beauty skills. It is about helping young people, especially young women, acquire the confidence, knowledge and entrepreneurial ability to build livelihoods for themselves.

She therefore renewed her call for greater investment in vocational education and stronger support systems for young entrepreneurs, stressing that empowering the youth with practical skills could play a significant role in addressing unemployment and promoting economic development.