Alhaji Agongo to distribute 10,000 sewing machines to women, youth
Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo is set to distribute 10,000 sewing machines free of charge to women and vulnerable young people across the country as part of an empowerment initiative aimed at equipping beneficiaries with employable skills and improving their livelihoods.
The nationwide programme, being implemented in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), is expected to support beneficiaries seeking to start or expand businesses in dressmaking, tailoring and other areas of the garment industry.
Announcing the initiative, Alhaji Agongo said it was inspired by his travels across the country, during which he witnessed the difficult living conditions of many underprivileged families and vulnerable individuals.
The founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank said many young people and women remained trapped in poverty despite having the determination and potential to improve their circumstances if given the necessary support and tools.
“Across our country, I have seen at first hand the struggles of many young people and families. Many of them need only a little support to break free from poverty and build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
He said a significant number of the beneficiaries would be school dropouts, widows, orphans and other socially disadvantaged persons who often faced economic hardship and limited access to employment opportunities.
Alhaji Agongo stressed that the initiative was strictly non-partisan and had been designed with clear guidelines to ensure transparency, fairness and equal access to the machines.
He said the programme was broad-based and expected to benefit people from diverse social and economic backgrounds.
The sewing machine initiative is the latest in a series of philanthropic interventions undertaken by Alhaji Agongo in education, healthcare and humanitarian assistance.
In July this year, he donated food items, clothing and other relief supplies valued at GH¢1.4 million to victims of the June 29, 2026 floods that affected several communities in Accra.
He has also supported the health sector, including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, through donations of medical equipment and other assistance to improve healthcare delivery.
His charitable activities have included the construction and renovation of school buildings, as well as support for the education of underprivileged children through the payment of school fees and provision of educational materials.
He has also supported vulnerable patients by settling hospital bills and providing financial assistance to people requiring urgent medical care.
For Alhaji Agongo, philanthropy is both a social responsibility and a religious obligation.
“As a Muslim, my faith teaches me that service to mankind is service to Allah. Giving is not a choice but a duty,” he said.
“It is the humane thing to do, and I am privileged that I can afford to share,” he added.
Alhaji Agongo said he hoped the distribution of the 10,000 sewing machines would create opportunities for thousands of women and young people to acquire livelihoods, establish sustainable businesses and contribute to the country’s economic development.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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