President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commended the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for its significant efforts in tackling youth unemployment in Ghana. During the YEA Beneficiaries Forum in the Ashanti region, he expressed his support for the agency’s programs aimed at empowering the youth and enhancing their employability.
At the forum held at the Bantama Church of Pentecost in Kumasi, the Minister for Labor also lauded the leadership of the YEA for its unprecedented achievements. The agency has been able to provide meaningful livelihoods for 400,000 to 500,000 individuals over four years, with over 100,000 beneficiaries annually.
The YEA has expanded its offerings beyond traditional roles, now providing training in various trades such as carpentry, masonry, welding, and hairdressing. The agency’s CEO, Kofi Agyepong, emphasized their commitment to beneficiaries, ensuring timely payments and training to boost morale and appreciation.
Success stories were shared during the forum, with beneficiaries creating jobs for themselves and others. In the Ashanti region alone, 8,496 beneficiaries are employed in various sectors, including community police, health workers, and prison service employees. YEA supports 6,011 businesses in the region, providing allowances to service employees.
Despite challenges with the payment structure of the sanitation model, Mr. Agyepong promised future improvements. The agency continues to empower youth through various programs and initiatives, aiming to reduce unemployment and create sustainable livelihoods for the youth of Ghana.
