The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has outlined an ambitious plan to address youth unemployment while emphasizing the importance of private sector growth and economic transformation.
Speaking in a recent interview, he underscored the need to move beyond reliance on public sector jobs and embrace new economic strategies that create sustainable employment opportunities.
According to Basintale, the traditional dependence on government jobs is no longer viable in addressing the growing challenge of youth unemployment.
He emphasized that Ghana’s younger generation requires a broader range of employment opportunities, particularly in the private sector, to meet the demands of an evolving economy.
“We have realized the fact that we cannot fully depend on public sector jobs because, obviously, the public sector may not be sufficient to accommodate all the younger generation coming up, so we must delve into the private sector”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
He highlighted the potential of the proposed 24-hour economy, an initiative championed by President Mahama, as a game-changing strategy for job creation.
He expressed optimism that the new system would create more employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, ensuring that the nation fully realises its productive capacity.
“I have repeatedly said that, look, from 1957 to date or even before 1957, we have operated on an eight-hour corridor. What happens to the twelve hours? We go back home and we sleep. Yet we still underproduce. We still import in huge quantities”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
Drawing attention to Ghana’s reliance on imports, Basintale expressed concern that the country continues to spend billions on goods that could be locally produced.
He cited examples of mango, onions, and pepper imports, stressing that local production must be strengthened to reduce the dependence on foreign markets.
YEA’s Bold Target
As part of its mandate, the Youth Employment Agency is set to roll out major employment initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment.
Basintale revealed that YEA is targeting the creation of approximately 200,000 jobs in its first year alone.
“I’m not speaking about other agencies. I’m not speaking about the GRA. I’m not speaking about the DVLA. I’m not speaking about the NIA. I’m speaking about the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). We will create about 200,000 jobs”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
He outlined key areas where jobs would be created, including skill training, community policing assistance, youth immigration, and industrial attachments.
He noted that 15,000 jobs would be created under the community policing model, 5,000 under youth immigration, and 7,000 through industrial attachments.
“There are so many models out there, including training people to get indirect jobs,” he added.
He also highlighted specific industries that have the potential to absorb large numbers of young workers.
Citing an example from the brick manufacturing sector, he revealed that a local brick production company has been overwhelmed with demand but lacks the workforce to meet it.
“They are so understaffed to the extent that they have demands as far as one year ahead. So there are people who have booked them, and the only available dates are towards the end of the year.”
To bridge this gap, Basintale stated that YEA is introducing a training program to equip at least 2,000 young people with skills in brick manufacturing.
He argued that Ghana’s construction industry must align with the global shift towards environmentally friendly materials, adding that bricks are becoming a preferred alternative to traditional cement blocks.
“Once we do that, I think that the people who have demanded brick construction (from the local brick production company) and were put somewhere in January 2026 would have enough staff to have their jobs done”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
Betting Tax Controversy
Touching on the abolishment of the controversial betting tax, Basintale criticized the previous government for introducing the tax in the first place, arguing that the issue is not about morality but fairness.
He challenged the rationale behind taxing betting winnings, suggesting that the policy was both inconsistent and exploitative.
“The issue with betting tax is not about morality. It’s about fairness and greed. We are not talking about betting. We are talking about the tax you’ve imposed on it.”
He drew a striking analogy to illustrate his point, questioning the logic of imposing a tax on an activity the government itself has previously condemned.
“If you, Dr. Bawumia, say betting is haram, yet you are now telling the man that when he wins the bet, he should give you 10%, then you are contradicting yourself. You don’t like dog meat, but now you are saying they should give you dog soup to drink,”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
He insisted that the taxation policy on betting was fundamentally flawed and unfair to young people who engage in it as a form of livelihood.
A Proud Moment
In a reflection on Ghana’s current political landscape, following the recent budget reading, Basintale showered praise on the new President John Dramani Mahama, crediting him with fulfilling promises that previous administrations failed to deliver.
He asserted that Mahama’s leadership has given his Ghanaians a renewed sense of pride.
“President Mahama has made me a proud young man. His Excellency, JM, has made me so proud,” he declared, arguing that his consistency and commitment to delivering on campaign promises set him apart.
“The promise keeper, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who never fails, has done what Nebuchadnezzar could not do. He’s done it and done it properly. I have enough reason to walk proud in the market”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
He recalled instances from the past administration where promises were broken, particularly in relation to the handling of financial sector reforms and government bonds.
He noted that conflicting statements from officials had created confusion and eroded trust.
“In the last government, two days before the budget reading, the deputy finance minister said that haircuts will never come, bonds will never be slashed. Then at the budget reading, they introduced the haircut. It was a terrible situation for even their communicators”
Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency
For Basintale, Mahama’s ability to implement his policies swiftly and effectively has restored confidence, reinforcing everyone’s belief in his leadership.
He remains optimistic that with the right policies, private sector engagement, and strategic job creation initiatives by the YEA, the nation can make significant strides in reducing youth unemployment and boosting local production.
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