The country director for non-governmental organisation Plan International Ghana, Fadimata Alainchar, says her outfit will employ about six thousand Ghanaians to work under the NGO’s Green Skills project.
The project, which was launched today [Tuesday] is aimed at inculcating in youth and women, the habit of conserving the environment by planting more and appropriately using the resources the environment provides.
The project will run in the Greater Accra and Brong Ahafo regions.
“6000 women and youth will be the beneficiaries for three years. The aim of the program is to provide green skills for youth and women and also help them understand and protect the environment,”Madam Alaincha said.
The program which is set to run for three years will be funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by Plan Ghana, in partnership with the District Assemblies and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations.
Its objective is to seek the collaboration of some micro finances to provide money for the employers.
“The program would also combine micro-finance activities, savings and loan for youth and women, and some skill training for employment. And it has a village savings and loan component”.
Fadimata Alainchar was also optimistic that if the project was a success after the three year run, it could be extended to the other regions in the country.
“Maybe after the three years and if the evolution is done, we would be able to extend it to all the communities. It is gradual,” she added.
The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labor Relations, Bright Wireko Brobbey who launched the program, expressed his joy, stating the project would complement some of the Government’s flagship programs to provide employment in the country.
“Employment creation is a key priority of this government. In this perspective, a number of flagship programs are being rolled in every part of the country to create a sustainable livelihood for youths,” he said.
“The implementation of the Green Skills for Ghana Project is therefore expected to complement these flagship employment interventions. It is in this view that I welcome your program which is geared towards the delivery of the same objective.”
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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citifmonline.com/Ghana