On September 11, 2024, the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), with funding from the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), organised a Women Bootcamp at the Asante Mampong Campus.
The event focused on developing the entrepreneurial mindset of women by building their skills gap and practically orientating them on emerging agribusinesses and vocational trades. Specifically, the event sought to emphasise the critical need to cushion the efforts of women by recognising their limitations as an opportunity to build equity among them.
The over 120 participants, who included women from the University community, Akyeremade, Mampong Zongo, Bonkrong, Benim, and other surrounding communities, were empowered in two sessions featuring a panel discussion from women agripreneurs and practical skills training. Notable guests such as the wife of Daasebre Osei Bonsu, Mampong Paramount Chief who doubles as the CEO of Josma Processing Company-Adidwan, the Campus Registrar of AAMUSTED- Asante Mampong and Mrs. Lydia Osafo-Owusu (CEO Leespec Enterprise -Ejura) shared their personal experiences with the participants on building a better resilient future as a woman agripreneur. The panel shared their insight on Agribusiness in the 21st century; the role of women, home and work balance and managing your business finances as a woman.
Participants were engaged in hands-on workshops after the panel discussions, learning valuable skills such as soap making, bead technology, and indigenous drinks preparation to equip them for economic empowerment. Madam Martha Fosu from the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations expressed her joy after the event and acknowledged the efforts of the organisers and sponsors.
“This is the first time I have been involved in a capacity building training which is hands-on and practical oriented. I thank the organisers and appreciate their efforts very much. With these skills, I can organise myself and start a micro-enterprise in soap making to support my immediate family. I will also inform my other colleagues at the federation and plead with the organisers to arrange and involve them in subsequent practical training”
The Faculty Advisor of KIC at AAMUSTED, Dr. Benjamin Aboagye Danso, thanked participants for their participation and urged all of them to make meaningful use of the skills gained. He further called on stakeholders to collaborate towards reviving women-led business establishments to ensure economic empowerment among women.
