The Municipal Chief Executive for the Aowin Municipality, Stephen Ntow Morcher, has unveiled a bold job creation initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment through a “Work and Pay” programme designed to empower young people with sustainable sources of income.
As part of the initiative, the MCE has negotiated with a company to purchase twenty-five Pragya tricycles and twenty Aboboyaa cargo tricycles, which are expected to be in the system within some time for selected youth across the municipality. The beneficiaries will use the vehicles to generate income while gradually paying for them under a structured payment plan.
“As an MCE, you have to do something for your people apart from what the government is doing. Now I have liaised with a company to procure the Pragya and tricycles for the youth. You only need your license and to meet the age requirement because the Pragya business is helping, and I thank the government for the legalization,” he reiterated.
Speaking in an interview with Enchi-based Tricky FM, monitored by Daily Times Newspaper, Hon. Morcher described the programme as a personal intervention driven by his commitment to improving livelihoods and tackling the growing unemployment challenge in the area.
He noted that unemployment among the youth remains one of the major challenges facing the municipality and requires practical and immediate solutions that directly place tools of work in the hands of young people.
The MCE explained that the “Work and Pay” model is designed to promote responsibility and ownership. He stressed that empowering the youth with productive assets would help reduce poverty and boost local economic activity.
Hon. Morcher revealed that an office will be established where beneficiaries will submit daily sales payments under the programme. He explained that once full payment is completed, ownership of the tricycle will officially be transferred to the beneficiary.
According to him, the revolving payment system will enable the initiative to grow, as funds recovered from the first batch will be used to purchase more tricycles to support additional youth in the municipality.
He further noted that the programme complements ongoing government interventions aimed at youth empowerment and skills development, particularly the work of the National Youth Authority etc.
The MCE urged the youth to exercise caution and avoid reckless driving on the roads, emphasizing that safety must remain a top priority. He added that only qualified individuals—those with valid driver’s licenses and proper documentation—will be granted access to the tricycles under the “Work and Pay” programme, stressing that adherence to the rules is essential for both personal safety and the success of the initiative.
Addressing rumours about having a poor relationship with the Member of Parliament, Hon. Morcher dismissed such claims as hoaxes. According to him, he has consistently approved every letter presented by the MP without delay but always ensures that all actions follow the law.
He also announced that he has procured a toilet truck for the municipality and added that a major decongestion exercise will soon be carried out to remove unwanted stores from the streets.
Hon. Morcher stated that every household must have a toilet facility and that the policy will commence soon. He added that there will be about a six-month grace period to ensure that every household has access to a toilet, noting that this initiative is aimed at improving sanitation across the municipality.
He thanked Omanhene of Aowin and the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Brentum, for giving him two “Big Push” projects out of the only six slots for the region, including road works from Yankama to Koojour, Enchi to Elubo, and several feeder roads such as Yankama Road and Yewabra.
The MCE also expressed gratitude to President John Mahama for honoring him, as well as to the Regional Chairman for his continued support in executing development projects in the municipality.
Finally, he thanked the supporting team of the assembly for making Aowin a peaceful municipality and celebrated the municipality’s victory in the MMDAS DPAT awards. Hon. Morcher stressed that those doubting the award should understand that all his actions are in the interest of Aowin and not for personal gain.
