In an innovative effort to provide employment and skill development for young people in Ghana, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has entered into a significant partnership with the Fisheries Commission and the 66 Artillery Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Under this agreement, approximately 1,000 young people will receive training in the fishing sector, with each participant receiving a monthly allowance of GHS 500 to support basic living expenses.
This program is fully funded by YEA, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment and bolstering production in the country.
Fisheries Commission’s Commitment to Youth Employment
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Lawrence Ahiah, Director of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture, expressed the shared vision between the Youth Employment Agency and the Fisheries Commission.
This project shares the goal of increasing fish production, particularly to benefit rural communities and enhance their access to nutritious food.
“We came into collaboration with YEA to make sure this program is implemented. Because our vision as a commission is also to do a similar thing.
Now we are running a project, what you call our ‘Production for Food and Jobs,’ where the main objective is to increase fish production. Two, [to] create decent jobs for the youth and women, and to make sure food and nutrition is available to all the rural folks.”
Dr. Lawrence Ahiah Director of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
Armed Forces’ Role in Project Implementation
The 66 Artillery Regiment, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Jalal Ibrahim, also pledged its full support in implementing this initiative.
He acknowledged the importance of the collaboration and assured YEA and the Fisheries Commission of the regiment’s commitment to the success of the program.
He expressed his optimism that the program would benefit the youth as well as the fishing industry at large.
“We have a history behind us. Let us handle the funds and resources judiciously as possible [to ensure that we achieve the intended goals of this initiative].”
Kofi Baah Agyapong CEO YEA
CEO of Ghana Enterprise Agency Highlights Government Support for Youth
During a separate event, Kosi Yankey-Aye CEO of the Ghana Enterprise Agency has highlighted the government’s role in providing unprecedented support for young people across Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the Ghana Enterprise Agency’s largest grant and mentoring expo, she underscored the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This grand expo aims to aid young entrepreneurs in establishing sustainable enterprises through the Youth for Ghana Jobs and Skills Project.
”The NPP government has done a lot to ensure that the youth are supported through training, technical assistance, capacity development and most importantly funding to start their business.”
Kosi Yankey-Aye CEO of the Ghana Enterprise Agency
This initiative, designed to provide grants and mentoring support, has already impacted thousands of beneficiaries. Over 4,000 young participants from different regions were present at the expo, each eager to apply new skills and resources to benefit their communities.
Significant Financial Commitment
The Ghana Enterprise Agency has dedicated GHS 51,900,000 to the second edition of its grant and mentoring program, showing the agency’s commitment to fostering economic growth through entrepreneurship.
Kosi Yankey-Aye highlighted the impact of the program, which draws young people from diverse backgrounds across Ghana.
This collaboration among the Youth Employment Agency, the Fisheries Commission, and the 66 Artillery Regiment reflects a holistic approach to youth employment and skill development.
By equipping young people with practical skills in fishing and supporting them with financial stipends, the program not only tackles unemployment but also promotes sustainable practices within the fishing industry.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Enterprise Agency’s commitment to fostering young entrepreneurs through grants and mentorship further complements these efforts, creating a network of initiatives aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
Both the YEA and the Fisheries Commission are optimistic about the outcomes of this partnership, which aligns with the broader vision of the government to address food security, create decent employment, and support the economic empowerment of young people in Ghana.
As these initiatives roll out, they promise to make substantial impacts on the lives of Ghanaian youth and their communities, furthering the nation’s development agenda in both economic and social domains.
