Smart launches second phase of heavy-duty machine training for 100 Gomoa West youth

National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant for Gomoa West, Captain Blessed Godsbrain Smart, has commenced the second phase of his heavy-duty machine operations training programme, with 100 young people selected to benefit from the initiative.

The trainees were given orientation on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the forecourt of the Paramount Chief’s palace at Gomoa Ajumako, under the theme "Empowering Gomoa West Youth".

The beneficiaries, accompanied by their parents, gathered at the venue with their luggage ahead of their departure for the Chafas Institute of Practical Studies (CHIPS) in Accra, where they will undergo the training.

Captain Smart said the initiative was designed to equip young people in the constituency with practical skills that could improve their employment prospects and reduce the impact of poverty.

He acknowledged that he was not yet the Member of Parliament for Gomoa West but said the challenges confronting young people in the constituency, particularly unemployment, could not be ignored.

According to him, practical skills development offers one of the most effective ways of creating opportunities for young people who may otherwise struggle to secure jobs.

He said the programme had deliberately been designed without stringent academic requirements, stressing that a willingness to learn was more important than examination results.

"All that is required is a sound mind and a passion to learn," he said.

He added, "During elections, we rely on you all to vote, but after the elections, certificates are demanded. This training programme is not like that. Once you have completed Senior High School, regardless of your results, you are qualified to participate."

Targeting 200 beneficiaries

Captain Smart said his broader objective was to train about 200 people from across Gomoa West in heavy-duty machinery operations.

He explained that equipping residents with such skills would increase their chances of securing jobs on infrastructure projects undertaken within the constituency.

"When our kith and kin are skilled in heavy-duty machine operations, at least the contractor working on our road can employ some of our people to operate a roller or grader," he stated.

The initiative also includes women, with 19 young women among the current beneficiaries.

Captain Smart said the inclusion of women was intentional, arguing that women from Gomoa should also be encouraged to enter occupations traditionally dominated by men.

"Out of the 19 ladies, it would gladden my heart and be a beautiful spectacle to behold if one day we all see a young lady from Gomoa drive an articulated truck into the constituency," he said.

He said such an achievement could provide a source of income for the beneficiary while inspiring other young women to pursue similar opportunities.

"All these can lead to a reduction in teenage and unplanned pregnancies already bedevilling our communities," he emphasized.

Trainees urged to take opportunity seriously

Captain Smart urged the beneficiaries to approach the training with commitment and make the most of the opportunity provided to them.

He assured them that accommodation and other essential logistics required for the training had already been taken care of.

"Where to stay and other relevant logistics to facilitate your training have all been paid for," Smart affirmed. "Yours is to be serious and justify the investment made."

He also rejected claims that people from Gomoa were inherently lazy, attributing the difficulties confronting residents to limited opportunities and poor leadership.

He said the situation could change if young people were given the right skills and opportunities to work.

"With me as your MP and with the overwhelming support I am seeing today, we will change the story and narrative surrounding Gomoa West," he assured the gathering.

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