
In a significant boost to local economic development, the Dr Doh Tradesmen Empowerment Programme has distributed working tools and financial support valued at GH¢ 100,000 to 34 artisans within the Ho municipality. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr Robert Kofi Doh in collaboration with OneAfrica Markets, is designed to foster sustainable business growth and self-reliance among skilled workers in the Volta Regional capital. By providing essential equipment to local tradespeople, the program aims to strengthen the foundational economy of the municipality and create a ripple effect of job creation through increased capacity. The support package included a diverse range of industrial tools tailored to various trades, such as sewing machines for tailors and hair dryers for beauticians. Beyond the physical equipment, several beneficiaries also received direct cash support to assist in the expansion of their business operations. Dr Doh emphasized that the core philosophy of the empowerment program is to enable individuals to not only improve their own livelihoods but also to create opportunities for others within their communities. This integration of cash grants with technical tools represents a holistic approach to tackling the challenges of small-scale business scaling in the region. The empowerment drive extended beyond individual business support to address critical infrastructure needs in the community. As part of the initiative, a 5,000-litre borehole was officially handed over to the residents of Ho-Heve. This project is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for local inhabitants by providing reliable access to clean water. Community leaders noted that the proximity of the water source would particularly benefit local children, who will no longer have to spend long hours trekking for water, thereby allowing more time for their educational pursuits and studies. This dual approach of vocational empowerment and infrastructure development underscores a growing trend of private-sector-led social intervention in Ghana. By equipping 34 artisans with the means to professionalize their services, the Dr Doh Tradesmen Empowerment Programme is contributing to the broader goal of reducing unemployment through skilled labor. As these businesses grow and the Ho-Heve community benefits from improved health and time savings via the new borehole, the project serves as a model for how targeted local philanthropy can address both economic and social barriers to development simultaneously.
Public infrastructure
See this week's map of Ghana →