Govt steps up youth employment agenda… as it plans to support security services to absorb YEA beneficiaries

The President, Nana Addo Dank­wa Akufo-Addo, has highlighted ongoing plans to enhance the appeal and effectiveness of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) pro­gramme, particularly for the youth.

He assured that the government would support the security ser­vices to consider absorbing YEA beneficiaries into mainstream security as policemen and prison officer.

Speaking at the YEA Beneficia­ries Forum in the Ashanti Region, he praised the management and board of the agency for their sig­nificant efforts in addressing the country’s unemployment issue.

He emphasised the importance of the upcoming elections, urging citizens to make the right decision and participate actively in the pro­cess, adding “the future of Ghana resides in you and your votes,” encouraging involvement in the elections and campaigns.

At the forum held at the Bantama Church of Pentecost in Kumasi, the Minister for Labour, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, also commended YEA’s leadership.

He noted the agency’s unprec­edented achievements, with over 100,000 beneficiaries annually, leading to meaningful livelihoods for 400,000 to 500,000 individuals over four years.

The minister pointed out that YEA has moved beyond tradition­al roles, now training individuals in various trades such as carpentry, masonry, welding, and hairdress­ing.

He appealed to security agen­cies to utilise the talents of YEA beneficiaries efficiently.

Kofi Agyepong, Chief Execu­tive Officer of YEA, emphasised the agency’s commitment to its beneficiaries, ensuring timely payments and training to boost morale and appreciation.

He shared success stories of beneficiaries creating jobs for themselves and others, noting that 8,496 beneficiaries are in the Ashanti Region alone, including community police, health workers, and prison service employees.

YEA supports 6,011 businesses in the region, paying allowances to service employees.

Textile model beneficiaries receive GH¢1,857 each for 143 businesses, including tailors and seamstresses, while large garment companies benefit with over GH¢92,000 each.

Agyepong acknowledged chal­lenges with the sanitation model’s payment structure but promised future improvements.

In conclusion, YEA’s efforts to integrate beneficiaries into security services and other sectors high­light the agency’s role in combat­ing unemployment and fostering economic growth in Ghana.