The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) says it will recruit 60,000 youth between the ages of 16 to 35 years in the first quarter of 2024 under its business models.
It said 10,000 youth would be trained in different artisanship including plumbing, welding, electrical, carpentry, masonry, cosmetics among others, while another 10,000 youth would be trained in ICT, 20,000, in Business Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP) and 20,000 in agriculture.
Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the YEA, disclosed this at a press conference in Bolgatanga.
Providing the details under the main agenda; ‘Business Employment Support Programme’ which sought to help SMEs, the CEO said the move was occasioned by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the laying off persons between 18- 45 years.
He said the youth in agriculture model, required two individuals to secure ten acres of land, and they would be supplied with free fertilizer, free seedlings and any other equipment needed to cultivate during the farming season by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Alhaji Bashiru said each of them would receive GHȻ500.00 monthly for their up keep until the end of the season.
He said after harvesting, 70 percent of the crops would go to the two individuals, and 30 percent to the Ministry of Agriculture to take care of expenses.
He said under the BEAP was an opportunity for those laid off to be re-hired with new staff, and that was expected to benefit 10,000 SMEs, and the employees would also receive GHȻ 500 monthly for their upkeep.
The Deputy CEO further added that young Ghanaians who were not employed or engaged in any part-time or temporary jobs, and were interested in the programme could register.
He, however, noted that priority would be given to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and women-led businesses.
He said employers who were interested in engaging the youth under the programme, must have a registered business in Ghana, comply with all applicable legislations including tax and Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), evidence of laid off employees and demonstrate ability to co-pay beneficiary compensation.
He said the YEA Job Centre would administer the programme across its 16 Centres in the country and urged the youth to visit any nearest centre or its website, www.yeajobcentre.com for further information.
By: Ibrahim Seidu Ahode | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
