Accra: World University Service of Canada, (WUSC), a Canadian non-profit organisation, has officially concluded a five-year project aimed at providing support and promoting sustainable pathways for young women in Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, dubbed 'Innovation in Non-Traditional Vocational Educational and Skills Training' (INVEST), was launched in 2020. It targeted 5,000 women in Accra, Kumasi, and Tarkoradi, with funding from Global Affairs Canada and support from the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry. Beneficiaries received technical skills in high-demand sectors such as Construction, Energy, ICT, Electronics, Automation, Extractives, as well as in Engineering and Manufacturing.
Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, speaking at the ceremony, commended WUSC for implementing such a programme to support young women in acquiring skills in male-dominated areas. He emphasized that 'young women who ordinarily would not have such an opportunity and through this INVEST in Her' have been given the chance to contribute to the country's development.
Mr. Opare Addo highlighted the need to create meaningful jobs to equip young people with the right skills, aiming to reduce the number of migrants seeking opportunities abroad. He also announced plans under the National Apprenticeship and Adwuma Wura programmes to support women development and urged donors to support the campaign.
The Minister called on WUSC and the Canadian Embassy to extend the project to align with the government's developmental agenda to create job opportunities for the youth. He expressed gratitude to WUSC, Global Affairs Canada, Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, GTVET, and other stakeholders for championing the project.
Mrs. Appiah Wiafe-Adofo, Country Director of WUSC Ghana, stated that 'over the past five years since 2020, the INVEST project has been more than a developmental initiative; it has been a movement.' She noted the progress made in changing mindsets, shifting social norms, and empowering communities to see the value of women's participation in male-dominated areas, even as women still represent only 11 percent of the workforce in oil and gas.
A total of 1,143 young women have received scholarships for training, while 1,623 beneficiaries have been linked to mentorship opportunities. The Country Director noted that WUSC has also enhanced government initiatives like the Skills Development Fund, CTVET, GTVET, and the Broader National Gender for Skill Development and Job Creation.
Madam Kathleen Flynn-Dapaah, Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission to Ghana, congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the importance of integrating out-of-school youth into TVET institutions to reduce unemployment. She emphasized the need to help the youth transition from the informal sector to the skilled workforce.
Mrs. Nana Ama Mensah, Deputy Director and Head of the Inclusive Education Unit at GTVET, expressed appreciation to WUSC and stakeholders for promoting sustainable pathways for young women. She noted the challenges, such as endemic sexual harassment, but remained optimistic about solving these issues to improve job prospects for young females.
The event featured solidarity messages from partner organisations, underscoring their collective commitment to the objectives of the INVEST project.