Initial 1,452 Micro businesses receiving YEA assistance
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has successfully rolled out its Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP), targeting 1,452 businesses in its initial phase.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster Ghana’s economic recovery post-COVID-19.
BEAP overview
BEAP aims to support 10,000 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and startups severely impacted by the pandemic, with the first phase involving 1,452 businesses.
This initiative is designed to provide critical financial support and employment opportunities to sustain these enterprises through challenging economic times.
Initial phase success
The first 1,500 verified beneficiaries of BEAP have begun receiving payments. These individuals, strategically placed within sectors such as chop bars, pharmacies, and schools, are receiving salary support to mitigate the financial strains faced by their employers.
Each recruited employee receives GH₵500, supplemented by additional employer contributions.
Broader goals
BEAP is set to foster employment opportunities across Ghana, targeting a total of 20,000 beneficiaries.
The programme not only supports SMEs but also plays a crucial role in alleviating unemployment.
The YEA remains committed to using sustainable funding from the Communication Service Tax exclusively for job creation and economic empowerment initiatives.
Additional YEA initiatives
Beyond BEAP, the YEA has been pivotal in various employment and skills training programmes, collaborating with state agencies to enhance community services, healthcare, and vocational training.
In 2022/2023, the government of Ghana, through the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), recruited 15,000 Community Protection Assistants to work with the Ghana Police Service, 6,000 Community Health Workers for the Ghana Health Service, 1,500 Prison Office Assistants for the Ghana Prisons Service, and 4,000 workers for the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme.
Additionally, 5,000 Insurance Agents were employed by the National Insurance Commission with base pay, and 13,000 direct jobs were secured through the YEA Job Centre.
There were also 2,000 dressmaking trainees undergoing apprenticeship training with GH₵500 in monthly support, and over 30,000 entrepreneurs received training and support for set-ups from both the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and the Ghana Library Board.
Furthermore, 2,000 young people were trained by the Accra Digital Centre in Basic and Advanced IT skills.
The Sanitation Module benefited 45,000 individuals, and financial support was extended to over 500 dressmakers and 40 large garment companies.
Ongoing recruitment efforts aim to train and set up another 20,000 young people in 10 different trade areas, including carpentry, masonry, plumbing, hairdressing, beauty care, auto works, general electricals, Plaster of Paris (POP), steel works, welding and fabrication, and painting.
All necessary arrangements have been made for this training to commence next week.
Impact on various sectors
YEA’s initiatives have significantly impacted community services, health, entrepreneurship, and vocational training sectors.
These efforts offer hope to Ghanaian youth seeking stable employment and entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the nation’s economic resilience and growth.
