The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin Municipality, Hon. Stephen Ntow Morcher, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of On God Ghana Limited, has provided dozens of youth in the municipality with vehicles under a work-and-pay initiative aimed at reducing unemployment.
In total, six tricycles, ten motorcycles, and twenty-eight “Pragya” vehicles have been distributed to beneficiaries to support their livelihoods.
Speaking at the presentation, Hon. Stephen Ntow Morcher explained that the initiative was born out of consultations with young people in the municipality. He said the youth were actively involved in shaping the programme, ensuring that it addressed their specific needs and challenges.
According to him, the size of the municipality and the rising unemployment rate require practical interventions to empower the youth economically. He noted that the beneficiaries themselves proposed acquiring Pragya vehicles on a work-and-pay basis, which would enable them to generate income while gradually paying for ownership.
Hon. Stephen Ntow Morcher further stated that although the Municipal Assembly does not have the capacity to directly fund such an initiative, he engaged private companies to supply the vehicles while personally guaranteeing the beneficiaries.
Several of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as a life-changing opportunity that could transform their economic situation. They also emphasized the importance of proper maintenance of the vehicles to ensure sustainability and long-term benefits.
Under the arrangement, the youth are expected to fully pay for the vehicles within one year, after which ownership will be transferred to them, providing a stable source of income.
The General Manager of the project, Joseph Mbawini, also addressed the gathering and commended the collaboration between stakeholders that made the project possible. He noted that officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the DVLA in Wiawso assisted in guiding applicants through the licensing process, ensuring that beneficiaries meet all necessary requirements before commencing operations.
Mr. Mbawini added that financial constraints had previously hindered many young people from acquiring licenses, but this challenge has been eased through the support of a benefactor, Nana One, who has agreed to cover the licensing costs for the first twenty applicants.
The Mmrantiehene of Aowin, Nana Kwame Asare Brempong, commended the MCE for prioritizing the welfare of the youth. He described the project as a timely intervention that will significantly reduce unemployment in the municipality. He also expressed gratitude to John Dramani Mahama for nominating Hon. Stephen Ntow Morcher as MCE for Aowin, noting that the appointment has resulted in visible developmental progress in the area.
Nana Asare Brempong further stated that unemployment has long been a major challenge in the municipality, but initiatives such as the transport hub are gradually addressing the problem. He encouraged the youth to take full advantage of the opportunity and use it as a stepping stone toward financial independence.
