The Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Adam Smith, has highlighted what he described as remarkable achievements recorded within one year under the NDC government led by President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking in an interview with Sefwinews, Adam Smith stated that the NDC government made a firm promise to the people of Ghana to drastically reduce unemployment among the youth, and according to him, significant efforts have been made to fulfill that vision through the introduction and expansion of various employment and skills training modules.
He explained that thousands of young people across the country, especially within the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality have benefited from employment opportunities under several YEA modules, including Community Police, Ambulance Service, Prison Service Assistance, Fire Service Assistance, Arabic Teachers, Health Assistance, and Skills Training programs.
According to the Municipal Director, the Skills Training module has become one of the biggest opportunities for unemployed youth in the municipality.
He disclosed that about 1,150 youth are currently benefiting from the program and are receiving monthly allowances of GH¢800 to support themselves while undergoing training.
He further explained that beneficiaries under the Skills Training module have officially been informed that the engagement is based on a two-year contract, aimed at equipping them with employable and entrepreneurial skills that will help them become self-reliant after completion of the program.
Providing a detailed breakdown of beneficiaries under the various modules, Adam Smith revealed that:
- 20 youth were employed under the Community Police module,
- 18 under Fire Service Assistance,
- 7 under Prison Service Assistance,
- 42 under the Ambulance Service,
- 11 as Arabic Teachers,
- and 1,150 under the Skills Training module.
According to him, the total number of beneficiaries under the YEA employment modules within the period stands at 1,240.
Aside from direct employment opportunities, the Municipal Director disclosed that three students also benefited from scholarship opportunities through support initiatives linked to the agency and government interventions.
He also indicated that the office successfully assisted 112 National Service personnel to secure reposting within the Western North Region through special posting arrangements under the Ghana National Service Scheme.
He noted that the intervention helped many service personnel who were facing challenges with their original postings to continue serving closer to their preferred locations.
Adam Smith further disclosed that 21 youth have equally secured opportunities to work abroad through government-supported initiatives aimed at exposing Ghanaian youth to international work opportunities and improving their economic conditions.
He praised President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government for prioritizing youth employment and skills development, stressing that the various interventions have brought hope to many unemployed young people and families within the municipality.
According to him, unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the youth, but the government’s continuous investment in employment modules, vocational training, and social intervention programs is gradually helping to reduce the situation.
He assured residents that the Youth Employment Agency in the municipality remains committed to supporting more young people with sustainable opportunities that will improve their livelihoods and contribute positively to national development.
Adam Smith therefore encouraged the youth to take advantage of the available YEA opportunities and remain committed to skills development and hard work in order to secure a better future for themselves and their communities.
