Tonyi Senayah, founder of Horseman, a Ghanaian shoemaking business, has stated that his company is driven by a mission to create fulfilling employment opportunities for artisans. He aims to challenge the perception that vocational trades, such as shoemaking, are meant for people who fail to progress through formal education. According to Senayah, his interest in developing people, which began during his studies at the University of Ghana, influenced his decision to build a business around shoemaking and craftsmanship.
Senayah's journey into entrepreneurship began when he realized he wanted to work in a field where he could contribute to human development. He applied to several international non-governmental organizations working in that area but eventually entered entrepreneurship through shoemaking. He explained that his experience working with artisans drew his attention to the circumstances under which many people entered vocational trades. Many people learn shoemaking, sewing, mechanics, and carpentry not because they prefer those careers but because they were unable to continue their formal education.
Senayah's ambition is not simply to provide work for people who have acquired practical skills but also to help them see greater value in their craft and contribution to society. He wants to challenge the stigma associated with vocational training, which he believes is often seen as an option reserved for people who could not make it into secondary school or follow conventional academic paths. Senayah argues that the circumstances that led someone into a trade should not determine how society values that person or the work they do.
The founder of Horseman wants his work to demonstrate that people who have acquired practical skills can build fulfilling careers and contribute meaningfully to the economy. He believes that developing people and creating opportunities for skilled workers remain central to the purpose that shaped his journey into entrepreneurship. Senayah's vision for Horseman extends beyond producing shoes to creating opportunities for artisans and helping to shift attitudes towards technical and vocational occupations.
Senayah's comments were made during an interview on Personality Profile on JoyNews. He shared his story, highlighting his passion for human development and his desire to create opportunities for artisans. According to him, his experience working with artisans has been rewarding, and he is committed to helping them see the value in their craft. Senayah's efforts aim to change public attitudes towards vocational skills and provide artisans with more fulfilling employment opportunities.
The perception that vocational training is for school dropouts is a challenge that Senayah is determined to overcome. He believes that vocational skills are essential to the economy and that people who acquire them can make significant contributions. Senayah's business, Horseman, is a testament to the potential of vocational skills in creating fulfilling careers. His commitment to developing people and creating opportunities for artisans is an inspiration to many.
The shoemaking industry in Ghana, like many others, faces challenges, including a lack of skilled personnel. However, Senayah's efforts, along with those of other stakeholders, aim to address these challenges. The Ghana Leather Manufacturers Association has called for zero import duty on raw materials to support the industry. Senayah's story serves as a reminder that vocational skills are valuable and can lead to fulfilling careers.
Key points
- Tonyi Senayah aims to challenge the perception that vocational trades are for school dropouts.
- Horseman's mission is to create fulfilling employment opportunities for artisans.
- Senayah wants to demonstrate that people with practical skills can build fulfilling careers and contribute to the economy.
