Addressing youth unemployment: 3,000 youth equipped, set for work…. as YEA distributes tools, capital to beneficiaries

Over 3,000 Youth Employ­ment Agency (YEA) benefi­ciaries across the country have received vital equipment and financial support to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, handed over sewing ma­chines, hair dryers, baking ma­chines, makeup kits, and GH¢1,000 to empower these young entrepre­neurs.

• Mr Ignatius Baffour Awuah addressing beneficiaries in the programme • Items distributed to beneficiaries

The beneficiaries received the support after completing a two-week Rapid Skill Training (RST) programme, where they gained expertise in areas such as soap and detergent making, wallpaper Installation, dressmaking (Sur­face Ornamentation, and pattern drafting), electric fence and gate automation solar installation, GPS tracking, innovative agriculture and manicure, pedicure, make-up.

Others are catering (includes production of local drinks) and baking, access Control system installation – doors, etc, CCTV In­stallation, DSTV Installation, auto and vehicle diagnostics.

Under the digital skills training, the beneficiaries were trained in digital and social media market­ing, coding and robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone assembly and operations, phones & laptop repairs, and recycling of waste plastics.

In the master class category, the beneficiaries were trained in plumbing and auto and vehicle servicing.

The Minister tasked YEA to monitor beneficiaries to ensure they utilised the resources effective­ly. This initiative aims to address youth unemployment and promote economic growth in Ghana.

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) began its mission to em­power Ghana’s youth on September 19, 2024. It launched a job initiative, providing networking and marketing opportunities to young people who completed a six-month training programme.

This effort addressed the dire consequences of youth unemploy­ment threatening Ghana’s econom­ic and security architecture.

At the event, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Alhaji Bashiru Ibrahim, commended the beneficiaries for embracing the challenges, particularly in the Kaya training programmes.

He announced that 2,328 benefi­ciaries had acquired unique skills in various areas.

The event also saw participation from over 30 private and public sector companies, including the Cyber Security Authority, finance companies, banks, and service companies. Impressively, 10,000 job applicants are currently under consideration for employment.

 BY TIMES REPORTER