Ghana chalked yet another major historic success in tacking its unemployment challenge when a first batch of 10,000 Ghanaian youth who have successfully completed training in 10 various artisanal skills were graduated and ready to be enrolled into the job market, courtesy the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Skills Training Programme.
The graduation ceremony, held at the at Valley View University, in the Bono East Regional Capital, Techiman yesterday Tuesday August 27 was wrapped in tears of joy and excitement by the 10,000 grandaunts and their families.
Their training were in the areas of auto-works mechanics, modern Plaster of Paris (POP) ceilings , wood engineering, beauty care, welding, glazing, electrical (wiring, stationary, transmission) , plumbing, hairdressing and painting. The second batch of 10,000 youth would be graduated in before end of year.
Chief Executive of the YEA, Kofi Baah Agyepong, speaking at the graduation ceremony said “every single trainee will be given a starter pack, containing all the necessary tools to set up their businesses without having to spend a cedi more. This is our way of cushioning them financially while they strive to make ends meet for themselves and their families. Whoever thought this day was not possible was really wrong. It is indeed possible.”
True to the words of the YEA Chief Executive, the starter packs were distributed to the grandaunts at the ceremony. They had already received an amount of GHC3,000 each during their training.
Kofi Agyepong continued: “hiring these young stars, you’re not just getting top-notch work – you’re also playing your part in reducing unemployment and lifting up our community. But we cannot do this alone. I want to make a passionate appeal to the Government through our distinguished special guest, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“These skilled professionals are ready to contribute to the nation’s growth. We plead with the government to immediately rope in these artisans onto all Agenda 111 projects. As the government undertakes the construction of hospitals in districts across the country, let these young men and women be a part of the hands that built them. We are also urging the Government to institute a policy that ensures all government projects in the districts prioritise YEA-trained and certified artisans.
Kofi Agyepong also announced the launch of the GHArtisan App – a revolutionary tool that will change how Ghanaians hire skilled professionals.
He explained how it works: “With just a touch of a button on your phone, you can hire verified artisans like the ones standing before us today. No more searching, no more looking for contacts, no more stress. Whether you need a plumber in Sunyani, a beautician in Accra, or a carpenter in Tamale, a plumber in Akomadan or Afrancho, an electrician in Kade Abompe or a painter in Agona Swedro -these skilled artisans are just a tap away.”
The YEA Chief Executive had a word of advice to the grandaunts: “The time is now to make your families proud. The time is now to make the government proud. But more importantly, the time is now to make yourselves proud.
“Uphold the values of integrity and trust in all your dealings, for these will be the cornerstones of your success. Remember where you came from, and let that be the fire that drives you forward. You are no longer defined by your circumstances; you are defined by your potential. Let’s go out there and build the future we’ve all dreamed of. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
Special Guest at the ceremony, Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia noted that Government remain committed to equipping the youth with employable skills in both the formal and informal sector.
He disclosed plans to enroll some one million Ghanaian youth into various employable skills by next year.
Dr. Bawumia said that government has invested over GHC6 billion in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) since 2017.
He said to further improve on technical and vocational training, government through the Commission of Technical, Vocational and Education Training (CTVET) has rolled out an apprenticeship programme.
