The training was held from February 5 to February 7, 2026
Women in Dzodze in the Volta Region have received training in soap and cosmetics production following a three-day workshop organised by Youth Path Organisation (YPO).
The training, held from February 5 to February 7, 2026, equipped participants with practical skills in the production of black soap, cake soap, shampoo, shower gel, liquid soap and other cosmetic products.
The programme was sponsored by Gemeente Hove.
According to a council member of YPO, Charles Nii Odotei Odoi, the initiative was introduced after a needs assessment in the community. He said findings from the assessment indicated that Dzodze has a strong trading base and that skills in soap and cosmetics production could provide participants with an additional source of income.
“We are here to teach women how to make organic soap, creams, shampoo, and other products to enable them to earn a source of income. We didn’t just come here on our own; we made sure to conduct a needs assessment of the people of Dzodze. Through the needs assessment, we found out that this is a large community heavily involved in trading,” he said.
Odoi noted that the training focused largely on young women, citing unemployment and teenage pregnancy as ongoing concerns. He said providing employable skills could help reduce economic vulnerability among young women in the area.
“We know teenage pregnancy is causing harm to the nation. The reason we are mainly focusing on these young ladies is that equipping them with these skills and helping them earn an income will help reduce unwanted pregnancies,” he added.
Participants said the workshop gave them hands-on experience in producing various cosmetic and soap products and improved their understanding of small-scale production processes.
One participant said she had learnt how to make bathing and washing soap as well as shampoo and intended to apply the knowledge to generate income and support her family.
“I have learnt a lot, especially how to make soap for washing and bathing. We also learnt how to make shampoo. We are grateful to YPO for the workshop because they have spent time with us and thought about how we can learn these skills to support our families financially,” said one participant.
Torgbui Gordor III, a chief in Dzodze, said youth unemployment is a frequent issue brought before traditional leaders.
“This initiative or programme is a good call. It is in the right direction because, as custodians of the land, one of the challenges we face is that our youth and community members frequently call upon us to help them find jobs.
“As this programme is being implemented by this organisation, we truly appreciate it because it eases the burden on us. I believe it is a good initiative that our youth must take advantage of,” he said.
He expressed the view that skills-based training programmes could help address some of the employment challenges facing young people in the community.
