Don't despise small beginnings - Chief of Staff to the youth

The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah has urged the youth to dream big and pursue visions that are realistic no matter how scary they might look initially.

He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is poised at empowering the youth with alternative livelihood opportunities through programs that will support them to set up their own businesses and be their own bosses.

According to the Chief of Staff, there is a conscious plan and programme of President Mahama called the National Business Booster Agenda where funds will be made available to existing and potential Ghanaian entrepreneurs through the EXIM bank to start or boost their own businesses.

He charged the youth to be bold and grab opportunities when they come their way. "You have to be strong and seize the opportunity at all times to take advantage of them when available.

Addressing participants at the Job Summit in Accra, as part of his Greater Accra regional tour to canvass votes for his boss President Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, underscored the need for the youth to identify the opportunities that abound. To him this is critical to moving forward in their lives.

The Chief of Staff held similar Job Summits in the Volta, Eastern, Ashanti and other regions to inform and educate the youth of the opportunities that would exist under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama between 2017 and 2020.

He gave an example of a couple who tried hard to have a child. When the child came, it was more or less like a rubber. However, unfortunate that was, the parents used the baby to make huge fortunes which transformed their life for the better.

He said they first took the baby to a church where people had to pay 5 dollars to have a look, later it went to other States in America where people had to pay huge sums to take pictures with the first rubber child in the world. "I am saying this to illustrate the fact that irrespective of your situation, you could still make the best out of it."

The Chief of Staff and his entourage have been touring the country with effective campaign strategy aimed at shoring up votes for President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s parliamentary candidates.

Mr. Julius Debrah cited examples of persons who defied small beginnings and today have big companies in Ghana and elsewhere now. He mentioned The CEO of Jospong group of companies, Dr. Siaw Agyapong, CEO of Peace FM Kwame Despite who used to sell audio cassettes and Kwame Ofosu Kwarteng of Silkens fame, saying if they were able to make it then the youth of today could make it through hard work and determination.

He indicated that all the above mentioned names believed in themselves and God. It did not take anything else to change, but they worked hard to get to where they are, "thus I am telling you to have the self-belief and take a step and the rest will follow."

The Chief of Staff, boosted the confidence of participants, saying, "you can do it. Just look out for opportunities and government will meet you at the point of your need to see you through."

He said "President Mahama's administration is ready to support anybody at all, whether you have certificate or not, educated or not, enlightened or not to give you the assistance you need and ensure you become a successful entrepreneur."

He noted that the EXIM BANK is ready to help individuals who want assistance to set up their own enterprises or own their own companies.

"Businesses are like mustard seeds you need to nurse it and water it to grow. Don't go home and do nothing, take a bold step and government will help you settle down to manage your own company," the Chief of Staff said.

The summit concentrated in 3 areas which are; available job opportunities.

What is expected to happen and the potential in entrepreneurship.

Speakers included the deputy communication minister Mr. Ato Sarpong, Presidential Staffer Mawusi Dzirasah and the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.