The Wa Municipal Directorate of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has officially handed over 265 newly trained recruits to various state institutions, cautioning them to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in their service.
The recruits comprise 96 Community Protection Assistants (CPAs), 121 Fire Service Assistants, and 48 Community Medical First Responders deployed under the agency’s employment initiative in the Upper West Region.
The ceremony, held in Wa, brought together key regional stakeholders, including the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanger Puozuing and the Regional Police Commander, ACP Francis Yiribaare.
The event marked the formal deployment of the recruits to their respective agencies.
Addressing the recruits yesterday, the Wa Municipal YEA Director, Mr. Iddrisu Abubakari, urged them to apply their training diligently and avoid acts that could damage their personal integrity or that of the agency.
“I urge you to put into practice what you have learned and stay away from taking illegal money from clients. Such acts will tarnish your image and that of the service,” he cautioned.
He reminded them that their work ethic and conduct would determine their future in the various security and health institutions, encouraging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of YEA.
In his remarks, Charles Puozuing called on the beneficiaries to demonstrate discipline, honesty, and commitment, noting that good conduct and hard work could open doors to permanent employment.
“If you comport yourselves, are disciplined, hardworking, and have integrity, your service commander can recommend you into the substantive service. Those joining the police should note that you are assistants, not police officers,” he said.
On his part, ACP Francis Yiribaare, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, clarified the role of Community Protection Assistants, stressing that they are not police officers, but serve as liaisons between the police and the community.
“It is not Community Police Assistant; it is Community Protection Assistant,” he emphasised and added, “You cannot hold yourself out as a police officer, but you are to assist and create a good link between the police and the community.”
He encouraged the recruits to work with professionalism and commitment, noting that their efforts would enhance community peace and national security.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Abubakari Abdul Rauf expressed gratitude to YEA for the opportunity to serve and pledged their dedication.
“We know some people think working under YEA as a Fire Assistant, EPA, or Community Health Assistant is not a real job, but we will not let such comments discourage us. Every opportunity is a stepping stone to greatness,” he said.
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