“One Day, I Will Help Others Too” – Seidu Agongo’s Sewing Machine Donation Brings Hope to Young Apprentices

Accra, November 2, 2026 – For Hannah Ofori, a young tailoring apprentice at Happy Royal Creation in Oyarifa, Greater Accra Region, receiving a sewing machine represents more than access to equipment. It offers renewed hope, greater independence and an opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood.

For much of her apprenticeship, Hannah struggled without a sewing machine of her own. Whenever her madam assigned her work, she often had to wait for other apprentices to finish using their machines before she could practise or complete her tasks.

That challenge has begun to ease following the donation of sewing machines by businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo, in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), under an initiative targeting the distribution of 10,000 machines to vulnerable women and young people across Ghana.

Expressing her appreciation, Hannah prayed for blessings upon the benefactor, describing the donation as a significant act of kindness.

“We are grateful to our father, Seidu Agongo. All we can say is that God should bless him, replenish him and give him double of whatever he spent because of this kind gesture,” she said.

Beyond the immediate benefit, Hannah said the gesture had inspired her to support others when she eventually establishes her own tailoring business.

“I have learnt a lot from his benevolence, so in future, when I become a boss on my own, I would like to do the same and help persons in need just as he has done for me and others here,” she added.

Another beneficiary, who identified himself as George, said he initially doubted the message informing him of his selection for the first phase of the distribution, suspecting it could be a scam.

He said he only reconsidered after discussing the message with his sister-in-law, who had also been contacted and encouraged him to attend.

“I was scared, so when I was contacted, I decided not to go. But I mentioned it to my brother’s wife, who confirmed that she had also been contacted and encouraged me that we should go. Lo and behold, we came and it is a reality,” he said.

For Philip, a beneficiary from Peace Land at Katamanso, the sewing machine is expected to strengthen his livelihood and improve his family’s economic circumstances.

“I have received my machine today and I am very much grateful to Alhaji Seidu Agongo for giving us these machines from his heart to support our work. It is going to help our family very much. Thank you. God bless you,” he said.

The excitement among beneficiaries reflected the importance of the equipment to their training and ambitions, particularly for apprentices who struggle to access the tools needed to practise their trades.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Alhaji Agongo said the intervention was motivated by his belief that many young Ghanaians had the potential to succeed but lacked the resources and opportunities to develop their abilities.

“We all need kindness. Whatever your situation, I will say don’t despair. I want to help everyone as much as possible. I want to live by people’s happiness,” he said.

“There is room for everyone if we genuinely support each other. I have always believed in sharing, supporting and being there for everyone whenever I can,” he added.

More than 800 sewing machines were distributed during the first phase, with further distributions expected as the programme progresses towards its nationwide target of 10,000 machines.

The partnership with NEIP is intended to equip vulnerable women and young people with practical tools to establish or expand tailoring and dressmaking businesses, promote self-reliance and create opportunities for economic empowerment.