In a landmark gesture aimed at fostering youth empowerment, industrial sewing machines were handed over to the Western and Central Regional Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to be distributed to beneficiaries in the two regions.
These machines symbolize the government’s commitment to equipping young people with the tools needed to succeed in the dressmaking industry, particularly those who have completed their training under YEA programs.
Addressing the media, Kofi Baah Agyapong – Chief Executive Officer of YEA, celebrated the remarkable achievements of YEA in the region, which have profoundly impacted diverse sectors.
He underscored the agency’s commitment to transforming lives, providing employment, and driving economic growth.
Key Achievements in the Western Region: Community Protection Assistants: 949 individuals now work with the Ghana Police Service.
Community Health Workers: 379 deployed to health facilities. Prison Office Assistants: 94 engaged with the Ghana Prisons Service.
School Support Program:
151 Kitchen Assistants deployed to senior high schools.150 Security Assistants engaged across institutions.83 Community Teaching Assistants impacting education.
Skills Training and Empowerment:
652 artisanal trainees have graduated, with ongoing training for an additional 652. 63 dressmaking trainees empowered and provided start-up tools.
Through the Business & Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP): 183 Micro-Businesses Thriving: Beneficiaries receive monthly support. 89 Businesses Supported: Including Zaima Enterprise, Dehome City and Regimez Ventures. 21 Garment Companies Assisted: Each receiving GHS 18,750 for business growth.
Kofi Baah Agyapong emphasised the government’s role as a steward of public resources, ensuring the Western Region benefits from national interventions.
“We might not have been able to recruit every young person, but over 2,800 youth in this region alone are directly employed under YEA programs,” he stated. He elaborated on the breadth of initiatives, including skill-building in tailoring, plumbing, tiling, and ICT.
Agyapong assured attendees that beneficiaries in the region receive monthly allowances without delays, demonstrating the program’s efficiency and commitment.
He added, “This is why we are here—to manage resources responsibly and ensure our youth thrive.”
The handover ceremony concluded with optimism for the future. The industrial sewing machines and other interventions underscore the government’s resolve to equip the next generation with skills, opportunities, and hope.
As he noted, “This is just the beginning—together, we’re building skills, creating jobs, and changing lives.”
The items were received in the Western Region by the Regional Director whilst the Central Regional Director and the Regional Minister, received the items for their beneficiaries. They all expressed appreciation to the YEA for the support and espoused government’s efforts in bridging the unemployment gap.
