Association of Small-scale Industries, GEA strengthen artisans through mentorship, coaching

The Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI), in partnership with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), has launched an executive mentorship and coaching training programme for trade association executives in Ghana's Eastern Region. The initiative took place in Koforidua and brought together executives from the 33 municipal and district associations in the region.

The programme is part of the Business in a Box (BizBox) Project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, which aims to strengthen the capacity of industry players and foster sustainable business development.

The BizBox Project focuses on equipping young people with vocational and business management skills, providing starter kits for trades, connecting micro-businesses with buyers, and supporting business registration and certification. Mr Abdallah Samari, General Secretary of ASSI, highlighted that the programme helps in personal growth, leadership capacity, and workplace performance improvements.

He explained that mentoring provides long-term guidance, while coaching focuses on short-term skill development. By combining both approaches, the programme aims to address skills gaps and enhance job satisfaction to retain skilled personnel.

Mastercraft persons in the Eastern Region play a crucial role in training apprentices, who eventually become mastercraft persons themselves. Mr Balagi encouraged these mastercraft persons to stay innovative and continually upgrade their skills to remain relevant in the evolving business landscape. He emphasized that innovation is essential for business survival.

The Eastern Regional Chairman of ASSI, Mr Alfred Yaw Kissi, noted that formal mentorship is a relatively new approach within the association but is vital to transfer knowledge, skills, and experience among industry players. The initiative seeks to strengthen professional relationships, promote knowledge sharing, and build a robust business community in the region.

Facilitator Lord-Lucas Vodzi, a Chartered Environmentalist, stressed the importance of open communication and a safe learning environment for effective mentorship. He urged mentors to set clear goals, define responsibilities, establish expectations, and build trust with mentees. Vodzi pointed out that many artisans in Ghana need to adapt to the dynamic and global nature of commerce, recommending they move beyond traditional shop-based operations and build professional networks to expand markets and increase earnings.

Ms Adelaide Asantewa, New Juaben South Municipal Secretary of the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), shared that the training has equipped participants with emotional maturity to handle misunderstandings and conflicts among women in the industry. She emphasized the importance of teamwork for business improvement and encouraged members to mentor colleagues to ensure all practitioners provide quality services.