The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, as part of efforts to seek the traditional leader’s guidance and support in tackling unemployment among the youth in Ghana.
During the visit, Mr. Basintale emphasized the critical role of the Youth Employment Agency in addressing the growing unemployment challenge in the country.
He expressed his commitment to creating job opportunities for both graduates and non-graduates, acknowledging the rising unemployment rate as a significant national security issue.
In his remarks to the Ga Mantse, Mr. Basintale described unemployment as a challenge that, if left unresolved, could have severe socio-economic implications.
“Unemployment is gradually becoming a high-security matter in this country. From the first day I took over as the CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, I knew I was going into battle with the devil because the devil finds work for the idling man.
“My work is to create work for the idling man, which means that I will not agree with the devil”.
Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency
The YEA boss stressed that his commitment to creating employment opportunities would inevitably face resistance from individuals or groups who benefit from youth idleness.
However, he remained resolute in his mission and sought the wisdom and counsel of the Ga Mantse in overcoming these challenges.
Employment for Ga Youth and Plans for a YEA Office in Accra
One of the key reasons for Mr. Basintale’s visit was to ensure that the Ga youth fully benefit from the employment models to be rolled out by the agency.
He acknowledged that a large number of young people in Accra struggle to find jobs and that many seek assistance from the palace in their job search.
“In the coming days, we will be rolling out several employment models. And as Royal Majesty, my models—if your people do not find a place onto the models—then no other person in this country will find space onto those models”
Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency
Additionally, Mr. Basintale appealed to the Ga Mantse for land to establish a permanent office complex for the Youth Employment Agency.
Currently, the agency operates from rented premises at the Olympic Tower. He emphasized his desire for the new office to be located within the Ga jurisdiction, where the King’s blessing and oversight would be evident.
“We are struggling with a place to operate. One of the legacy projects we want to leave is setting up a well-befitting facility for the Youth Employment Agency. And I don’t want it to be at a location where your blessing will not be upon it.
“I want it to be in a jurisdiction where every morning before you even pass, you will see that this facility is my facility, and all the youth on Ga land will be well employed under the Youth Employment Agency”.
Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency
Mr. Basintale further proposed that, upon completion, the building be named in honor of the Ga Mantse as a lasting legacy of his commitment to youth empowerment.
Beyond discussions on youth employment, Mr. Basintale also sought prayers and blessings from the Ga Mantse for President John Dramani Mahama.
He described President Mahama as a leader with a “good heart” who is committed to the welfare of the Ghanaian people, especially the youth.
“He is a man with a good heart. He is a man who means well for the nation, and he is a man who shall deliver to the impression of all Ghanaian youth and Ghanaian people out there. And I know that the blessings of your throne are with him, and I wish to seek more prayers on his behalf”.
Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency
The courtesy visit underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies and traditional leaders in addressing unemployment.
By engaging with the Ga Mantse, Mr. Basintale demonstrated his recognition of the role of traditional authorities in mobilizing youth and fostering development.
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