Mr. Chris Arthur, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidate for Agona West, has made youth unemployment and the financial empowerment of young people in his constituency a central focus of his campaign. He recognizes youth unemployment as a pressing issue that poses security risks and emphasizes the importance of supporting governmental initiatives to create job opportunities. During a recent event, he presented 14 motorbikes along with driver’s licenses to members of the Agona Swedru Okada Riders Association on a work-and-pay basis, highlighting the role of motorbike use in providing essential employment for the youth. This initiative not only promotes economic stability for individuals but also aims to ensure that such commercial activities avoid contributing to traffic congestion and uphold safety standards.
In discussing the importance of the Okada Riders Association, Mr. Arthur commended their discipline and significant contributions to the local economy. He noted that these riders not only help themselves but also actively participate in campaigning for his candidacy, thereby aiding the NPP’s efforts in retaining the parliamentary seat for Agona West. His initiative is designed to help these young riders maintain sustainable employment and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Such direct engagement with the community reflects his commitment to addressing the unemployment crisis, making it clear that he intends to be an advocate for the youth’s employment needs if elected.
In addition to his support for motorcycle transportation, the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) Foundation has collaborated with the ChrisCares Foundation and the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) to provide vocational training graduates with start-up kits and certificates. This initiative saw 55 individuals, trained in various trades including hairdressing, beauty care, carpentry, welding, and electrical work, receiving tools to start or improve their own businesses. The program aligns with Mr. Arthur’s drive to empower the youth by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to thrive economically, highlighting the growing focus on vocational training as a viable pathway to reducing unemployment.
Mr. Arthur, who founded the ChrisCares Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, encouraging beneficiaries to leverage their newly acquired skills and kits for their betterment and the welfare of their families. He emphasized that such vocational initiatives could provide long-term solutions to youth unemployment, as they empower individuals to become financially independent and contribute positively to their communities. The combination of supporting entertainment for young riders along with vocational training illustrates a multifaceted approach to job creation and economic empowerment in Agona West.
The emphasis on vocational skills development, coupled with the support for commercial motorbike riding, speaks volumes about Mr. Arthur’s holistic view of tackling youth unemployment. He believes that through collaboration with existing organizations and direct community involvement, a more stable economic environment can be fostered. By addressing both the immediate needs of young people for employment in transportation and long-term career development through vocational training, Arthur’s campaign is building a narrative focused on sustainable growth and development.
Ultimately, Mr. Arthur’s campaign is rooted in a vision for a prosperous and self-sufficient youth population in Agona West. His efforts, both through the provision of motorbikes to Okada riders and the support of vocational training programs, underscore a commitment to improve the livelihoods of young people. By prioritizing these initiatives, he aims not only to reduce unemployment but also to enhance the overall economic landscape of the constituency, ensuring that young individuals can thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large.
