President Akufo-Addo has assured the beneficiaries of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) that his government will support the security services to consider their appeals to absorb them into mainstream security services such as policemen and prisons.
President Akufo-Addo who was speaking at the YEA forum held in Kumasi yesterday praised the management led by Kofi Agyepong and board for their significant efforts in addressing the country’s unemployment issue.
He also touched on the importance of the upcoming elections, urging citizens to make the right decision and participate actively in the process. “The future of Ghana resides in you and your votes,” he stated.
The Minister for Labour and Employment, 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.
According to him the YEA has moved beyond traditional roles and now training individuals in various trades such as carpentry, masonry, welding and hairdressing and, therefore, appealed to security agencies to utilise the talents of beneficiaries efficiently.
Kofi Agyepong, CEO 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 GHC1,857 each for 143 businesses, including tailors and seamstresses, while large garment companies benefit with over GHC92,000 each.
Agyepong acknowledged challenges with the sanitation model’s payment structure, but promised future improvements.
