YEA EMPLOYS 282 PWDS
-It includes 99 former tollbooth workers
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has employed 282 persons with disabilities (PWDs), including 99 former tollbooth workers who lost their jobs due to the suspension of road toll collection in Ghana.
This move reflects YEA’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment within its workforce.
Kofi Agyepong, Chief Executive Officer of YEA, emphasized the agency’s role in providing employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth during a press conference at the agency’s head office.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by former tollbooth workers after the government’s decision to suspend road toll collection, leading to unemployment for hundreds of individuals.
In response, YEA conducted a recruitment drive, resulting in the unprecedented employment of these 282 former tollbooth workers as staff members.
Agyepong highlighted their placement in roles such as Regional Disability Desk Officers and District Disability Desk Officers across all regions and operational districts of the agency.
He expressed joy in providing these individuals with not only a sense of pride and financial stability but also positions of influence where they can contribute meaningfully to disability rights policy formulation and implementation.
In addition to addressing the immediate needs of the former tollbooth workers, YEA has developed alternative pathways through impactful programs such as the Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP), Youth in Skills training, and the garment and textile training initiative.
These initiatives ensure equitable opportunities for all individuals.
Agyepong expressed gratitude to partners including the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), and the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) for their contributions.
Alexander Tetteh, President of the Centre for the Employment of Persons with Disability, commended YEA for employing its members and expressed readiness to partner with any organization willing to alleviate the plight of persons living with disabilities.
Rashid Mohammed, Chairman of the Tollbooth Workers Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the YEA CEO for the intervention, ending their unemployment and hardships.
