EKAJ Educational Fund Partners UCC to Empower 150 Senior Artisans in Asante Akyem South
In a significant boost to local skills development and youth empowerment, the EKAJ Educational Fund, in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has successfully trained 150 senior artisans in the Asante Akyem South Municipality in the Ashanti Region. The artisans included: senior masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers and painters who are also expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to their apprentices.
Held under the theme: “Enhancing Social Cohesion among the Youth Through Skill Development,” the capacity building workshop was aimed to equip participants with practical tools to upgrade their technical abilities, enhance business management, and adapt to modern industry demands.
Founder and CEO of the EKAJ Educational Fund, Mr. Eric Kofi Amofa Junior, described the initiative as a catalyst for transformation – not just for the individual artisans, but for their families and communities.
“This workshop is not just about learning a skill. It’s about igniting purpose, building confidence, and laying the foundation for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The event’s success was made possible through the collaborative effort and generous contributions of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (Vice-Chancellor of UCC), Dr. Keren Naa Abeka Arthur (Director of the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub – UCC), Dr. Alexander Nuer (Design Thinking and Innovation Hub/Sasakawa Group), Dr. Edmond Yeboah Nyamaah (Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management – UCC School of Business), and Mr. Sammy Korbiah Appiah (Monitoring & Evaluation Unit – Design Thinking and Innovation Hub of UCC).
Participants received intensive training on topics such as work efficiency, quality control, financial literacy, branding, and strategies for scaling up small businesses. The workshop also stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards and customer satisfaction in today’s competitive market.
The event drew strong support from community leaders and dignitaries, including Hon. Kwaku Asante Boateng (MP for Asante Akyem South), Hon Maame Sarfoa Agyei (Municipal Chief Executive officer for Asante Akyem South) and Hon. Gifty Ohene Konadu (Former MP for Asante Akyem South), who both commended the initiative and called for continued investment in youth and artisan development.
Other notable contributors included Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah (immediate past CEO of National Identification Authority), Mr. George Baah of Common Fund, Mr Bismark Osafo Boateng of Juaso and UCC’s delegation of facilitators. The University issued certificates of participation to all trainees, along with personal protective equipment such as reflective jackets and helmets from EKAJ Foundation, underscoring the importance of safety and professionalism on the job.
In a forward-looking move, Mr. Amofa Junior encouraged the participants to establish a local artisans’ association to unify their efforts, foster collaboration, and advocate for better opportunities for all skilled workers across the municipality.
“Let’s use this as a turning point,” he urged, “to innovate, build networks, and transform our communities with the skills we already have.”
The successful event marks another bold step in EKAJ Educational Fund’s ongoing mission to support youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development across Ghana. The EKAJ Educational Fund was established in 2023 by Mr. Eric Amofa with a seed capital of GHS100,000 to create equitable educational opportunities for brilliant but needy youth in Asante Akyem and Ghana at large. The Fund has so far provided financial sponsorship for 15 senior high students and 10 tertiary students, according to the Founder. It has also distributed 5,000 exercise books to needy students in all 10 SHS in Asante Akyem South, 50 bags of cement to Dampong Jubilee SHS for the construction of girls’ hostel, five ceiling fans to Kyempo Faith JHS, GHS5,000 and 20 study desks to Banso Presby SHS and provided startup tools and funding for apprenticeships for persons with disabilities (PWDs) among others.
