The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has undertaken a groundbreaking initiative and employment drive to employ about two hundred and eighty-two former tollbooth workers, mainly persons with disabilities (PWDs) who lost their jobs as a result of the suspension of road toll collection in the country.
The move according to the Youth Employment Agency comes as part of its broader commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the workforce.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Youth Employment Agency’s head office in Accra on Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Kofi Agyepong underscored the pivotal role of the agency in providing employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth amidst economic uncertainties.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency further highlighted the unique challenges faced by the former tollbooth workers following the government’s decision to suspend road toll collection, leaving hundreds of individuals without employment.
“While this decision elicited widespread enthusiasm, we must acknowledge its consequential impact on a segment of our society that found itself in a precarious situation.
“Specifically, over 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) experienced a loss of livelihood as a direct result of this policy shift. These individuals, previously employed as breadwinners for their families, were now faced with unemployment and its accompanying hardships”
Kofi Agyepong, CEO Youth Employemnt Agency
Furthermore, Mr Agyepong indicated that the Youth Employment Agency recognizing the need for proactive intervention to address such challenges decided to embark on a comprehensive recruitment drive in collaboration with government ministries and advocacy organizations.
He noted that the result of such an initiative is what has led to the employment of about two hundred and eighty-two former tollbooth workers as staff members of the Youth Employment Agency.
According to him, rather than the Youth Employment Agency lamenting over the circumstances, the agency viewed it as an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to effecting positive change in the country.
Mr. Agyepong also added that the various individuals employed by the Youth Employment Agency have been strategically placed in roles such as Regional Disability Desk Officers and District Disability Desk Officers, spanning all regions and 266 operational districts of the agency.
“This brings me immense joy. This employment affords them not only a sense of pride and financial stability but also positions of influence where they can contribute meaningfully to policy formulation and implementation concerning disability rights”
Kofi Agyepong, CEO Youth Employemnt Agency
YEA Develops Alternative Programs To Provide Skills For PWDs
Moreover, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, Kofi Agyepong indicated that to address the immediate needs of the former tollbooth workers, the agency has developed alternative pathways through impactful programs such as the Business and Employment Assistance Program (BEAP), Youth in Skills training, and the garment and textile training initiative under the Garment and Textile module to provide equitable opportunities for such individuals.
He emphasized the Youth Employment Agency’s commitment to prioritize the welfare and social security of its newly employed workers, particularly persons with disabilities to guarantee them equitable treatment and access to the same benefits enjoyed by other government employees.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency thus expressed his profound gratitude to all partners and collaborators including the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), and the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) who contributed to the success of the initiative.
He further affirmed the Youth Employment Agency’s unwavering commitment to championing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Ghana.
READ ALSO: Parliament Approves Appointments Committee Ahead Of Ministerial Vetting
