Bono

CEA COMMISSIONS OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN BONO REGION TO TRANSFORM LIVELIHOODS

“Skills Acquisition for Livelihood and Development” Takes Centre Stage at Historic Ceremony

The Complementary Education Agency (CEA) has taken a significant step towards youth empowerment and sustainable development with the commissioning of the Occupational Skills Development (OSD) Centre at the forecourt of Twene Amanfo Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in Sunyani.

The colourful ceremony, held under the theme “Skills Acquisition for Livelihood and Development,” attracted traditional authorities, education stakeholders, development partners, beneficiaries, and members of the public who gathered to witness what many described as a transformative milestone in skills development and lifelong learning in the Bono Region.

The event was graced by a distinguished delegation of traditional leaders led by Nana Boadi Akrofa, Adontenghene of the Sunyani Traditional Area and Chairman for the occasion, who represented the Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II.

Also present were the Acting Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency, Hon. Daniel Kwasi Ashiama, accompanied by a team of Directors from the Agency, staff from the Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regional Directorates, partner institutions, stakeholders in education and skills development, as well as members of the general public.

A New Era of Opportunity

Delivering the welcome address, the Bono Regional Director of the Complementary Education Agency, Mr. Ameyaw Nicholas expressed profound appreciation to all stakeholders whose support and commitment had made the establishment of the centre possible.

He highlighted the significant impact of CEA programmes across the region, noting that the Agency continues to transform lives through literacy, complementary education, and skills development interventions.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the Agency’s programmes, Mr. Ameyaw Nicholas shared the inspiring success story of Madam Joana Nsoaah, a 35-year-old woman who benefited from the Remedial Education Programme (REP). According to him, Madam Nsoaah, who once faced educational challenges, successfully progressed through the programme and is currently pursuing a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management at Sunyani Technical University.

He described her journey as a clear testament to the transformative power of complementary education and an inspiration to thousands of learners and young people seeking a second chance through education and skills training.

Executive Director Commends Philanthropic Support

In his keynote address, the Acting Executive Director of CEA, Hon. Daniel Kwasi Ashiama underscored the Agency’s commitment to equipping vulnerable youth, school dropouts, women, and unemployed persons with practical vocational skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Kofi Omane Frimpong, whose generous donation of seven industrial sewing machines, seven manual sewing machines, and assorted sewing accessories significantly enhanced the operational capacity of the newly commissioned centre.

Hon. Ashiama described the donation as a remarkable act of patriotism and social responsibility that would positively impact the lives of countless beneficiaries.

He further appealed to philanthropists, corporate institutions, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture and support skills development initiatives across the country.

In a further demonstration of commitment to the success of the programme, Hon. Daniel Kwasi Ashiama personally donated ten additional sewing machines to the centre to strengthen practical training and improve learning outcomes for beneficiaries.

The announcement drew enthusiastic applause from participants, who hailed the donation as a major boost to vocational training in the region.

Stakeholders Rally Behind Skills Development

The ceremony also featured goodwill and solidarity messages from key stakeholders who reiterated the importance of skills development as a catalyst for economic growth and youth empowerment.

The Regional Director of the Complementary Education Agency in the Ashanti Region, Madam Deborah Abla Dzorbenyui Boakye, commended the Bono Regional Directorits dedication and innovative efforts in promoting occupational skills training.

She encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the programme and remain focused on acquiring skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and productive citizens.

Partner institutions, including Sunyani Technical Institute and Methodist Technical School, also pledged their continued support towards the success of the Occupational Skills Development Programme.

Representatives from the schools emphasized the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and development partners in addressing youth unemployment and enhancing technical and vocational education.

Traditional Authority Endorses Initiative

Speaking on behalf of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Chairman of the occasion, Nana Boadi Akrofa, lauded the Complementary Education Agency for bringing skills training closer to the people.

He noted that empowering young people with employable skills remains one of the most effective ways of reducing unemployment, combating poverty, and promoting community development.

The traditional leader assured the Agency of the support of traditional authorities in ensuring the sustainability and success of the centre.

Transforming Lives Through Skills

The commissioning of the Occupational Skills Development Centre marks a major milestone in the implementation of CEA’s mandate under the Complementary Education Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1055).

The facility is expected to serve as a hub for practical skills training, entrepreneurship development, and livelihood enhancement for youth and adults across the Bono Region.

As the ceremony concluded, participants expressed optimism that the centre would become a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering hundreds of beneficiaries with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.

The successful commissioning reinforces the belief that when education, skills training, philanthropy, and community support come together, lives are transformed, communities are strengthened, and national development is accelerated.

Sunyani, Bono Region.
26th May, 2026