President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo has revealed that the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has prioritized job creation and labor issues, focusing on skill development and sustainable decent employment since 2017.
In his keynote address, President Akufo-Addo announced that over 100,000 youth have benefited from indirect jobs under his leadership. He urged the youth to vote massively for the NPP in the upcoming elections to continue these achievements. President Akufo-Addo also mentioned plans to work with security agencies to prioritize these beneficiaries in recruitment processes.
He emphasized that voting for the NPP would ensure the continuation of the progress made, contrasting it with the potential reversal of gains under former President John Dramani Mahama.
Highlighting government initiatives like the Free Senior High School program, One District One Factory, and support for various industries, the President underscored the focus on creating sustainable and decent jobs throughout the planning and execution stages.
Speaking at the YEA Beneficiaries Forum in the Ashanti Region, Minister of Employment an Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour Awuah reiterated the ministry’;s collaboration with social
partners to address employment challenges, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities. He praised YEA’s strategic direction in curbing
youth unemployment through programs in entrepreneurial development, private sector competitiveness, vocational and technical skills development, and more.
The Minister noted that YEA has surpassed its target, achieving 85,000 jobs as of June 2023, exceeding the initial goal of 70,000. The ministry remains committed to supporting YEA’s efforts in transforming the youth economy with sustainable jobs and labor protection. YEA CEO Kofi Baah Agyapong highlighted the agency’s accomplishments, including 15,000 community police assistants, 6,000 community health workers, 1,500 community prison assistants, 45,000 sanitation workers, 6,000 insurance agents, 4,000 farm workers, 5,000 entrepreneurship trainees,
and over 70,000 indirect jobs through private sector partnerships. He emphasized the importance of clear and effective communication in sharing YEA’s success stories.
The government’s concerted efforts, combined with YEA’s innovative programs, aim to significantly reduce youth unemployment and foster economic growth in Ghana.
