Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-02-22 15:23:54
Speaking at a press conference held at the agency’s head office in Accra on Thursday, February 22, 2023, Kofi Agyepong, CEO of YEA (Youth Employment Agency), underscored the pivotal role of the agency in providing employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth amidst economic uncertainties. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by former tollbooth workers following the government’s decision to suspend road toll collection, leaving hundreds of individuals without employment. This decision had a consequential impact on a segment of society, specifically over 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who 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. Recognizing the need for proactive intervention, YEA embarked on a comprehensive recruitment drive in collaboration with government ministries and advocacy organizations. The result of this initiative saw 282 former tollbooth workers successfully employed as staff members of YEA. “Rather than lamenting the circumstances, we viewed this as an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to effecting positive change,” Agyepong said. The individuals 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,” Agyepong said, adding that: 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. In addition to addressing the immediate needs of former tollbooth workers, YEA 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, ensuring equitable opportunities for all individuals. According to him, the agency ensured the welfare and social security of its newly employed PWDs, guaranteeing them equitable treatment and access to the same benefits enjoyed by other government employees.
Agyepong expressed profound gratitude to all partners and collaborators including the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), and the Center for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) who contributed to the success of this initiative. He reaffirmed the YEA’s unwavering commitment to championing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Ghana.
The efforts of the Youth Employment Agency have made a significant impact on the lives of former tollbooth workers and Persons with Disabilities. By providing employment opportunities and ensuring their welfare and social security, the agency has not only addressed the immediate impact of the government’s decision but has also paved the way for equitable opportunities for all individuals. The YEA’s commitment to championing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Ghana sets a positive example for other agencies and organizations to follow. It’s through proactive and collaborative initiatives like these that real and lasting change is made in communities and societies, and the YEA’s efforts are a testament to the positive impact that such initiatives can have.
Read Original article on Pulse News
