The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has launched its ambitious Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP), marking a significant step towards Ghana’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
Enrolling Businesses and Supporting Workers
BEAP targets 10,000 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and startups struggling due to COVID-19. In the first phase, 1,452 businesses have been enrolled, with additional companies joining each month.
The program prioritizes sustainability. Payments have already begun for the first 1,500 beneficiaries employed by these businesses. These individuals work in various sectors like local eateries, pharmacies, and schools, receiving crucial salary support during challenging economic times.
Boosting Employment and the Economy
BEAP aims to create employment opportunities for a total of 20,000 Ghanaians. Each recruited employee receives a monthly GHC 500 stipend alongside their employer’s contribution, directly addressing financial strain identified in a recent national survey.
The YEA is committed to using sustainable funding sources like the Communication Service Tax specifically for job creation and economic empowerment initiatives, ensuring BEAP’s long-term impact.
Beyond BEAP: YEA’s Broader Impact
The YEA plays a vital role in various employment and skills training programs. They collaborate with state agencies to enhance services like community protection, healthcare, and vocational training, contributing significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Examples of YEA’s Achievements
- Recruited 15,000 Community Protection Assistants for the Ghana Police Service.
- Provided 6,000 Community Health Workers to the Ghana Health Service.
- Supported 4,000 workers on the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme.
- Facilitated training for over 30,000 aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Trained 2,000 young people in IT skills at the Accra Digital Centre.
Looking Ahead
The YEA is currently recruiting another 20,000 youth for training in various trades, with training set to begin next week. Additionally, they plan to support over 500 dressmakers, 40 large garment companies, and 45,000 Sanitation Module beneficiaries.
By implementing these initiatives, the YEA demonstrates its commitment to empowering Ghanaian youth through stable employment and entrepreneurial ventures, fostering growth across various sectors.
