The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the Kayayei Empowerment Programme and commissioned hostel facilities and a skills training centre for the head porters, in fulfillment of a campaign promise.
The launch of the programme took place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Madina, Accra, where the hostel he commissioned is located.
The Vice President said that the government had built accommodation facilities located in Madina and Ashaiman, suburbs of the capital city of Accra, to serve as hostels for Kayayei, but these will also function as training centres for the head porters.
“This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in society and provides a positive outlook for the future of Kayayei, in terms of both shelter and skill development.”
According to him, the skill training centre will help empower the Kayayei and bring a gradual end to that phenomenon, which he said was not new in Ghana.
He said the Akufo-Addo government, when it took over, looked at the plight of the Kayayei in 2019, and upon his visit to Agbogbloshie in 2019, he was hit by the struggles of the Kayayei, hence the promise to address the Kayayei phenomenon.
The Vice President recalled that the government then decided to build hostels and give alternative training and livelihoods to the Kayayei.
“When we promised to do all these for the Kayayei, many thought it was not possible, but I knew that it was possible to do. We have promised in 2020, and we have to recover the promise. A society that does not take care of its poor and vulnerable is not a good society.”
THOUGHT
Dr. Bawumia stated that the government sought the support of other institutions to roll out different programmes after thinking about how to take care of the poor and the vulnerable.
He said the thinking birthed policies, including the introduction of the Zongo Development Fund, Assistance for Sickle Cell Sufferers, Leppers and Persons with Disabilities among others.
He mentioned the government’s commitment to the programme and urged Kayayei to take advantage of the training to change their lives.
PARTNERSHIP
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Kofi Adjei Agyepong, indicated that the programme was made possible through partnerships with the YEA, GEA, CTVET, TVET, Father Campbell Foundation, GetFund and Common Fund.
He said that head potters across the country were faced with numerous problems, including lack of shelter, harassment, depression, lack of good quality medical care and inadequate sources of income, hence the initiative was designed to empower and provide solutions for them and provide decent accommodation and job training skills.
According to him, through the Kayayei Empowerment Programme, the government, through the YEA, will provide decent accommodation and equip these women with vital skills, enabling them to secure dignified jobs and support their families.
“Our programme adopts a rigorous recruitment process, offering training in crucial skills such as baking, beading, soap making and more.
“Additionally, we cover essential soft skills like personal health care and financial literacy to ensure holistic development.
“The initial training phase aims to empower 5,000 head porters, starting with batches of 600 at our dedicated residential facilities in Madina and Ashaiman. Participants will receive stipends during their training to offset any loss of income from their usual trade, ensuring they can fully commit to their new journey without financial strain.
“The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) will be committed to the payment of these monthly stipends of GHS 1,000 per month for every Kayeyei trainee. Trust YEA that, as of today, May 21, 2024 we do not owe any of our beneficiaries, and each of them has been duly and fully paid and is regularly paid.”
STARTER PACK
The CEO of YEA said that upon successful completion of the training, participants will receive starter packs, enabling them to venture into new economic opportunities.
He said that the training comes along with some incentives, as the registered trainees will be given a monthly allowance of GH¢500.00 and, after the program, and product specifications to guide them in setting up businesses on their own.
He said their commitment does not end there, as they will continuously monitor and evaluate the programme, providing ongoing support as these women explore further educational and business opportunities.
Kofi Agyepong also mentioned that the Kayayei will be registered and undergo training in entrepreneurial skills towards skilled jobs and employment while grasping the opportunities for life-changing skills.
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