The National Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has launched its youth in apparel and textiles module in the Ashanti Region, with the motive of providing the youth with employable skills.

The module is intended to empower the youth to be self-reliant and equally create jobs for others in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the youth in apparel and textiles modules, today, August 14, 2023, member of parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, revealed that the launch of the initiative in a constituency where he is an MP teeming with young people who desire jobs will be attended to. He indicated that as one of the youngest members of parliament, he is always delighted to be part of initiatives that provide opportunities for the youth.

“The youth in Ghana’s apparels initiative is a special project that is aimed at equipping the youth with employable skills in apparel production so that they can either secure decent jobs in the growing industrial apparel production sector or enter into self-employment. The agency as I understand, has partnered with some key players in the industry to offer training to the selected beneficiaries at the end of which we hope these trainees will be equipped to take advantage of the many opportunities in the industry.”
Vincent Ekow Assafuah

Expressing his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for the honor to serve on the board of the YEA, Mr Assafuah indicated that the textile and garment industry is one of the largest industries across the globe, providing thousands of jobs to both skilled and unskilled workers. In light of this, he noted that the modules under the Kufuor administration solved significant problems by closing the labor gaps in key industries, through provision of livelihoods to many young people.

“It’s probably one of the oldest industries dating back to the days of creation… I’m honored here today, to witness what I believe is a spectacular addition to the job creation agenda of the YEA under the distinguished leadership of Kofi Agyapong. As many of you are aware, the traditional modules of the YEA have long-standing success stories that traces back to the days of the national youth programme under President John Agyekum Kufuor…”
Vincent Ekow Assafuah

Furthermore, Mr Assafuah urged the textile industry players not to outsource the creation of apparels to other countries, as there are equally qualified persons in the country who can meet demands and deliver quality products. He reckoned that Ghana’s industry players should be able to take that bold decision and engage indigenous Ghanaian businesses because “we also have that talent here”.

“It is my prayer that this project would create many opportunities for young people and also contribute to the overall development of the industry to impact economic growth. As members of the board, we will continue to offer the needed strategic direction to ensure the initiatives such as this stands the test of time and contributes to government’s job creation and skills advancement efforts.”
Vincent Ekow Assafuah

Training the youth in garment-making

Meanwhile, the Old Tafo legislator highlighted that the impact, of training the Ghanaian youth in garment-making cannot be overstated, as it promises to drive a remarkable reduction in the country’s unemployment rate. To this end, he revealed that he eagerly anticipates the collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders to provide the necessary technology and machinery for both training and post-training phases.

“The time has come for us to alter the trajectory of our nation’s fortunes. The opportunity for positive change is within our grasp and I believe we are closer than ever to realizing the transformation we aspire for.”
Vincent Ekow Assafuah

In his concluding remarks, Mr Assafuah urged the “ambitious youth” who seek financial liberation, to actively get involved in the youth employment program agency’s apparel-making project. This, he indicated, is because the project will undoubtedly carve its place in Ghana’s pursuit of youth empowerment and industrialization.

“As we launch the project today, I call on all stakeholders within the space to join the agency so that we can scale up the project along the length and breadth of our country, so we can make the needed impact…”
Vincent Ekow Assafuah