Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has presented certificates to 22 female head porters who have completed their training as bus drivers.
These porters, commonly known as Kayayei, received the training as part of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme initiated by Dr. Bawumia. The program also includes other modules such as bead making, fashion designing, and soap making, benefiting a total of 5,000 Kayayeis.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the newly qualified drivers in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia expressed his joy over the transformation of the young girls from Kayayei to professional drivers.
Today is a happy day for 22 young ladies who were formerly Kayayei but today, they are professional Aayalolo drivers. I am happy for their transformation and happy to formally acknowledge them and hand them their certificates,
Dr. Bawumia said.
The Vice President added that Kayayeis are often in a disadvantaged position, and while some people provided them with head pans to continue carrying loads.
We were very much concerned and thought of what we could do to help them…Some people were giving them head pans to continue what they were doing. We came with bold solutions to transform them. The Kayayeis have much intellect as anyone.
One day, on a trip to Agbogbloshie, I said I would build them a hostel to help transform them. Many doubted it and said it was not possible but I said it is possible.
