As part of a broader vision to empower youth with employable skills, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant for Gomoa West, Captaine Blessed Godsbrain Smart, has organized an orientation ceremony for 100 young people constituting the second cohort of his Heavy-Duty Machine Operations Training initiative at Gomoa Ajumako.
The programme, held under the theme “Empowering Gomoa West Youth”, took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the forecourt of the Paramount Chief’s palace at Gomoa Ajumako.
The event drew a large gathering, not only of indigenes but also of prospective trainees who were accompanied by their parents and arrived with their luggage ahead of their trip to the Chafas Institute of Practical Studies (CHIPS) in Accra.
Addressing the gathering, Smart noted that although he is not yet the Member of Parliament for the area, he recognizes the severity of poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the constituency. He explained that skills training and development is one of the practical means of reducing unemployment.
According to him, the training has no strict certification requirement. “All that is required is a sound mind and a passion to learn,” he said, adding, “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.”
Smart further disclosed his vision to train about 200 indigenes across the constituency in heavy-duty machinery operations. “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, to applause from the gathering.
Expatiating on the rationale for including women in the initiative, the parliamentary aspirant observed that he is yet to see a woman from Gomoa operating heavy-duty machinery or driving an articulated truck. “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 added that such an achievement would not only provide employment for the young woman but also motivate other young ladies to emulate her.
“All these can lead to a reduction in teenage and unplanned pregnancies already bedevilling our communities,” he emphasized.
Turning to the trainees, he admonished them to take their training seriously, as it is the linchpin needed to propel them into a better and more fulfilling life. “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 concluded by rejecting the perception that people from Gomoa are lazy, arguing that such a claim cannot be justified. According to him, it is the lack of opportunities and bad leadership that have compounded the already precarious situation in Gomoa West. “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 them.
Source By DC Kwame Kwakye
