The initiative, launched on January 9, 2026, is a strategic partnership between the MP’s office and Soloko Ghana Concept Ltd, and features direct skills transfer from a German leather craft expert. The programme aims to transform raw talent into marketable expertise, training participants in the production of high-demand items such as shoes, leather bags, car seats, and assorted leather products.

Speaking at the well-attended launch ceremony in the Dorveme community, Hon. Gakpey (NDC) charged the youth to seize the opportunity with both hands. “Vocational and technical skills are not an alternative; they are a powerful and direct engine for economic empowerment in today’s world,” he stated. “This training is designed to make you masters of a craft, enabling you to create jobs for yourselves and others, moving from seeking employment to becoming employers.”

The Municipal Chief Executive for Keta, Hon. Wisdom Seade, threw the full weight of the Assembly behind the project. He pledged the Assembly’s commitment to supporting programmes that align with skills development and entrepreneurship. “Our goal is sustainable livelihood creation,” Hon. Seade said. “We stand ready to collaborate to ensure that after this training, these young artisans are not only skilled but are also empowered with the necessary support to establish thriving businesses and achieve economic independence.”

Soloko Ghana Concept Ltd, the implementing partner, praised Hon. Gakpey’s visionary leadership and dedication to public-private partnerships. The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to expanding industrial craftsmanship in the region, stating that this programme is a foundational step towards building a skilled local workforce for potential larger-scale operations.

The host community, Dorveme, echoed a palpable sense of excitement and optimism. Community leaders and youth representatives expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, pledging their full support and participation. They assured organizers that the programme would be embraced as a vital chance to build a future rooted in skilled, creative enterprise.

Analysts see this launch as more than a single training event; it is a strategic intervention in local economic development. By focusing on a tangible, value-adding skill like leatherwork, the programme seeks to diversify the local economy, reduce the dependency on traditional sectors, and stem the tide of youth migration.

The Keta Leather Craft Skills Training Programme is now underway, marking a tangible step towards a future where the youth of Keta are not just job seekers, but skilled creators and drivers of their own economic destiny.