Sixty-seven young trainees under the Centre for National Culture (CNC) Marketable Skills Training Programme have been challenged to go beyond acquiring practical skills and start thinking about business, sustainability and financial independence.

The call came at an engaging Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Seminar organised by CNC, bringing together resource persons from the Central Region Development Commission (CEDECOM), Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

The seminar equipped trainees with practical knowledge in entrepreneurship, financial management, business development and professional certification — essential tools for transforming skills into sustainable livelihoods.

A representative of CBG, Andrews Elikplim, highlighted the importance of budgeting, savings, debt management and financial discipline, while Gabriel Fiatui of CEDECOM introduced the trainees to entrepreneurship fundamentals, business set-up and operations, opportunity identification and the qualities of successful entrepreneurs.

A representative from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service, Ayishetu Issifu, emphasised the value of nationally recognised certification in strengthening professional credibility and opening doors to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The acting Regional Director of CNC, Ebenezer Nti, commended the trainees for their commitment and urged them to maximise the remaining training period by turning their newly acquired skills into viable ventures.

“From hair braiding, sewing, bags and sandals making, batik and tie-dye, photography, drawing and painting, facial make-up, dreadlocks, decoration and floral arts, fascinator making to beading, the trainees are being equipped with practical skills that can become pathways to self-employment and economic empowerment,” he said.

“At CNC, the vision goes beyond teaching skills.

It is about building confidence, nurturing entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for young people to earn, grow and contribute to their communities,” he stated.