The Ghana Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has successfully trained over 300 young persons in the Upper West Region under the Artisan Module of its skills development program.
They were trained in carpentry, welding, painting, mechanics, cosmetology, and among other skills.
These beneficiaries were selected from many applicants across the eleven districts and municipalities through an online portal. They were assigned to experienced artisans for six months of intensive training, during which they received a monthly stipend of 500 Ghana cedis.
This initiative is part of YEA’s broader efforts to reduce unemployment in Ghana by providing skills training and opportunities for self-employment, particularly targeting those in the informal sector.
Recognizing the challenges faced by young people who have not completed formal education, the YEA introduced various training modules aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure their livelihoods.
In addition to developing their skills, the beneficiaries were also given the necessary tools that will enable them to utilize the skills acquired.
At a brief ceremony to hand over the tools to the beneficiaries, the Regional Director of YEA, Alhassan Yusif, urged them to take good care of the tools provided to them, emphasizing the significant investment the government has made in their future. He warned against the illegal sale of these tools, highlighting the importance of using them for their intended purpose.
Mr. Alhassan further announced that the YEA has enrolled all the beneficiaries onto a job platform designed to connect them with potential employers seeking skilled artisans.
On his part, the Municipal Chief Executive for Wa, Alhaji Issahaku Tahiru Moomin, noted that the success of the skills training program is a testament to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s commitment to human development and job creation. He expressed confidence that this initiative will significantly contribute to reducing the unemployment rate in the country.
Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the government for initiating the skills training program, stating that it has empowered them to overcome poverty. They also called on the government to expand the program to reach more youth across the country.
