The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has graduated over 10,000 artisans trained under YEA’s Skills Training Programme. The graduation ceremony was held at the Valley View University in Techiman, Bono East Region.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in his remarks described the moment as a happy one, stressing that the government had made possible what others thought was not.
“When we announced the programme to train 20,000 artisans, but we will start with 10,000 many thought it was not possible. But today, we have made it possible,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia described training under the first phase of the Skills Training Programme as concrete evidence of the NPP government’s commitment to providing opportunities for the youth to acquire employable skills for life.
“This pool of talented artisans in rows before us this morning, presents varying opportunities for us to expand and develop the sector for the growth of our nation. Ladies and Gentlemen, the artisanal industry is the oldest livelihood job in Ghana for centuries and still remains the powerful economic engine to absorb more people seeking sustainable job opportunities,” he emphasised.
THE TRAINING
The training of these 10,000 young people in carpentry, beauty care, hairdressing, plumbing, auto mechanics, Plaster of Paris (POP), painting, steelwork and welding, and glazing (glassworks) comes on the heels of the recent training of thousands of ladies under the Kayayei Empowerment programme.
There is also formal training under the Free Technical Vocational Training (FTVET) and digital training offered by facilities such as the Accra Digital Centre.
The trainees received allowances during their training and have also received start-up equipment.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated the NPP government’s appreciation of the key role played by the youth in national development and envisioned the creation of even more training and job opportunities under the ongoing digitalisation agenda.
ACCOMPLISHMENT
YEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Kofi Agyepong, celebrated the accomplishments of the first cohort of 20,000 trainees who have undergone six months of intensive training in various trades.
These trades include; carpentry, beauty care, auto work, welding, electrical work, and more, equipping the youth with practical skills for self-employment and national development.
“This is not just a day of celebration but a day of history in the making,” Mr Agyepong said.
“We are witnessing the passing out of 10,000 talented young men and women who are now ready to contribute to our nation’s growth.”
Mr. Agyepong took the opportunity to appeal to the government through Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who was present at the event, to employ these skilled artisans in ongoing and future public projects.
“These skilled professionals are ready to contribute to the nation’s growth. We plead with the government to immediately rope in these artisans onto all Agenda 111 projects. Let these young men and women be part of the hands that build the hospitals our districts need,” he stated.
The YEA’s training programme, which Agyepong initiated shortly after assuming office in October 2022, is designed to provide sustainable, long-term employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth. This shift from traditional short-term employment modules to hands-on skills training marks a strategic redirection of YEA’s resources and focus.
Mr Agyepong touched on the success stories of trainees like Rose Asante and Alidu Adamu, who overcame significant personal challenges to become skilled professionals through the programme.
“Today, we celebrate Rose and Alidu, who are no longer defined by their circumstances but by their potential,” he said, urging the graduates to uphold integrity and trust as they embark on their new careers.
GHARTISAN APP
To further support the graduates, YEA has provided each trainee with a starter pack, ensuring they have the necessary tools to start their businesses immediately.
Additionally, Agyepong announced the launch of the GHArtisan App, a digital platform designed to connect Ghanaians with certified artisans, thereby simplifying the process of hiring skilled workers across the country.
As the government embarks on transformative projects like Agenda 111, which aims to build hospitals in every district, the integration of these newly trained artisans is seen as a critical step towards reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth.
“We cannot do this alone,” Agyepong reminded the audience, stressing the need for government policies that prioritise the employment of YEA-trained artisans in all district-level projects.
“By hiring these young stars, you’re not just getting top-notch work; you’re also playing your part in reducing unemployment and lifting up our community,” he stated.
The event marks a new chapter for the thousands of graduates, who are now equipped to transform their lives and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
“The time is now to make your families, the government, and yourselves proud,” Agyepong told the graduates.
