The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has launched a 16-day Job and Entrepreneurship Fair, in collaboration with the Ghana Report Summit, aimed at empowering young Ghanaians with skills and employment opportunities.
The event, held at the Independence Square in Accra, brought together stakeholders from various industries, training institutions and government agencies.
Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru, Deputy CEO of YEA, delivered a speech on behalf his boss, Kofi Baah Agyepong, highlighting the agency’s efforts in addressing youth unemployment.
AlhajiBashiru emphasised the importance of skills training, citing the 137,092 beneficiaries recruited through YEA’s initiatives in the last two years.
Some of the jobs created include; 6,028 Community Health Workers, 15,000 Community Protection Assistants, 1,500 Prison Office Assistants, 250 Youth in Modern Building Technology and 500 Garment Master Trainers
Revamping the Artisanal Industry
AlhajiBashiru noted that the artisanal sector faces threats from neighbouring countries and the emergence of technology.
To combat this, YEA has dedicated resources to revamping the industry, providing training in 10 craft areas, including Carpentry, Plumbing, Beauty care, Auto mechanics, Plaster of Paris, General electrical, Tilling, Painting and Decoration, Glazing works and Welding.
Key Partnerships and Initiatives
The YEA has partnered with German Development Agency (GIZ) to launch the “Make Fashion Inclusive Programme”- Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, and Ghana National Tailors and Dress Makers Association.
This partnership is aimed to establish a Skills and Fashion Hub, train and empower young entrepreneurs, especially those with disabilities.
The YEA also offers Rapid Skills Training sessions in areas such as Detergent and soap making, Baking, CCTV installation, Digital Skill component featuring, Coding, Robotics and Digital marketing
GhArtisan APP Launch
YEA, according to the Deputy CEO, would soon launch the GhArtisan APP, a free mobile app for artisans in Ghana, providing access to job opportunities and connecting them with the general public.
Alhaji Bashiru urged the graduates to Champion the transformation of the industry, be innovative and build their capacities. He assured them of YEA’s support and guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
CEO of I-ZAR group, Rashida Saani, praised the initiative, saying “This fair is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and access resources. I commend YEA for their efforts in empowering Ghana’s youth.”
Deputy Employment Minister, Ekow Assafuah, commended YEA’s efforts, stating “The government is committed to creating jobs for young Ghanaians. This fair is a testament to YEA’s dedication to achieving this goal.”
In a related development 5,000 young Ghanaians from the southern sector have graduated from the Youth Employment Agency’s (YEA) comprehensive skills training program.
The event, held at the Independence Square, marked a significant milestone in the Agency’s efforts to empower Ghana’s youth with employable skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
The 5,000 beneficiaries, selected from the southern regions of Ghana, underwent rigorous training in various vocational and technical skills. These included Agriculture and agribusiness, Construction and building technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Fashion design and textiles, Cosmetology and beauty therapy
Hospitality and tourism
Each trainee received a startup kit tailored to their area of specialization, valued at GHC 5,000. These kits included essential tools, equipment, and materials to kick-start their entrepreneurial journeys.
Rashida Saani, CEO of I-ZAR Group, partnering organization, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “Today, we celebrate the transformation of 5,000 young lives. Equipped with skills and resources, they’re poised to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy.”
Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru, Deputy CEO of YEA, added: “This program embodies our commitment to youth empowerment. We’re not only creating jobs, but also fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-sufficiency.”
Some beneficiaries shared their stories:
“I learned fashion design and received a sewing machine. Now, I can start my own business and employ others,” said Ama Owusu, a 25-year-old from the Central Region.
“The ICT training opened my eyes to new opportunities. I’m excited to start my own software development company,” said 28-year-old Kofi Mensah from the Western Region.
“As a farmer, the agribusiness training and startup kit will help me expand my farm and create jobs for my community,” said 30-year-old Akua Danso from the Volta Region.
Regional Breakdown of Beneficiaries
The 5,000 beneficiaries hail from the following southern sector regions, Central Region: 1,200, Western Region: 1,500, Volta Region: 800, Eastern Region: 1,000, Greater Accra Region: 500
The Way Forward
As Ghana strives to address youth unemployment, initiatives like the YEA’s skills training program and startup kit distribution play a vital role.
By empowering the next generation, Ghana can unlock its full potential and secure a brighter future.
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