Media personality Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has announced a major vocational skills training initiative aimed at empowering thousands of residents in the Gomoa West Constituency of the Central Region.
The broadcaster who has declared intention to contest the upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in Gonna West said the programme will provide free vocational training for 3,000 women and 1,000 men, with the goal of improving livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and reducing poverty across the constituency.
Captain Smart made the announcement during an engagement with women’s groups and traditional leaders at Gomoa Damang, where he outlined his vision of equipping residents with practical skills that can generate sustainable income.
According to him, participants will receive training in a variety of employable trades, including tailoring, catering, hairdressing, soap making, and other vocational skills that are in high demand.
He explained that the initiative is primarily designed to strengthen women’s economic empowerment while also providing opportunities for men to acquire income-generating skills.
“When a woman is economically empowered, the entire family and the community benefit,” Captain Smart said, stressing the importance of investing in women as a catalyst for community development.
To ensure beneficiaries are able to put their newly acquired skills into practice, he disclosed that participants who successfully complete the programme will receive starter packs and essential working tools to help them establish their own businesses.
Captain Smart further revealed that the programme will cost approximately GH¢430 per participant, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,000 people.
He said all the financial commitments for the project had already been secured and paid for.
He announced that the training programme is scheduled to commence on August 15, with 10 participants to be selected from each community within the constituency.
According to him, the first batch of trainees will be identified in the coming weeks, while training centres will be established across Gomoa West to make the programme accessible to beneficiaries.
He encouraged residents, particularly women and young people, to take advantage of the opportunity by enrolling and committing themselves to learning skills that can improve their economic prospects.
The Odikro of Gomoa Damang, Nana Adwenpa Ntum II, commended Captain Smart for the initiative, describing it as a practical intervention that would help many women attain financial independence.
He noted that economic empowerment programmes have the potential to transform families and communities, especially when beneficiaries are provided with the necessary skills and resources to become self-reliant.
Nana Adwenpa Ntum II also expressed disappointment with what he described as the failure of many politicians to fulfil promises made to residents over the years.
According to the traditional ruler, the people of Gomoa Damang have become cautious about political promises and would rather support initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the community.
On behalf of the people of Gomoa Damang, he pledged his support for Captain Smart’s vision and expressed hope that his ambition of becoming the Member of Parliament for Gomoa West would become a reality.
Story by Joseph Cobbina
