YEA touts achievements under Kofi Agyepong’s 2 years tenure
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) is celebrating the achievements of its Chief Executive Officer, Kofi Baah Agyepong, as he marks two years in office.
Appointed in August 2022, following the resignation of the former CEO Justin Frimpong Kodua, who became the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Agyepong has implemented a range of impactful initiatives that have significantly contributed to youth empowerment across Ghana.
During his tenure, Agyepong has overseen the launch and execution of several programs and partnerships that have created numerous employment opportunities for the youth.
Under Agyepong’s leadership, the YEA has become a pivotal force in combating youth unemployment in Ghana.
His strategic initiatives and partnerships have not only provided immediate employment opportunities but have also equipped the youth with sustainable skills for their future.
The agency reports that over 100,000 beneficiaries have been supported annually, providing meaningful livelihoods to approximately 400,000 to 500,000 individuals over four years.
Among the key initiatives under his leadership are the employment of 1,500 individuals as Community Protection Assistants (CPAs), offering essential services within their communities, and an additional 1,500 as Office Assistants to enhance administrative efficiency in various sectors.
The YEA has also enrolled 6,000 Community Health Workers, with 900 of them receiving further support to gain admission into nursing training schools across the country.
In the apparel and textiles sector, the agency has supported 90 large companies and 500 medium and small enterprises, benefiting 2,000 youth.
A partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Building and Road Research Institute (CSIR-BRRI) has engaged 250 youth, while 5,000 “kayayei” (head porters) have been enrolled in a skill empowerment program, with 600 having already completed their training.
The agency has also trained 10,000 artisans and plans to enroll another 10,000 in the near future.
Other notable partnerships include collaborations with Countries Ghana Limited and Aframilk Cocoa, aimed at empowering youth in various sectors, and a partnership with the National Insurance Commission (NIC) that has trained 6,000 youth.
Additional initiatives include a business and employment assistive program supporting 10,000 individuals and 5,000 businesses, with plans to recruit another 10,000 participants.
A collaboration with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) is benefiting 10,000 youth, while 5,000 are receiving training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The Job Center Bluespace initiative has trained 2,000 individuals, and a partnership with the Ghana Library Authority has provided training to 5,000 youth.
As he marks two years in office, Mr Kofi Baah Agyepong’s achievements highlight his commitment to empowering Ghana’s youth and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development. Established under the Youth Employment Act 2015 (Act 887), the YEA continues to play a crucial role in providing skills training and internships for young people aged 15 to 35, helping them transition from unemployment to gainful employment.
