Excerpt
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) of Ghana is a pivotal institution dedicated to addressing youth unemployment and fostering socio-economic development. Established under the Youth Employment Act 2015 (Act 887), the agency’s mission is to empower young Ghanaians through skills training and employment facilitation.
Historical Background
The origins of YEA trace back to the National Youth Employment Program (NYEP), initiated in 2006 to tackle escalating youth unemployment, which posed a potential threat to national security. In February 2015, the Youth Employment Agency Bill was enacted into law and received presidential assent in March 2015. Subsequently, the Youth Employment Agency Regulations 2016 (L.I. 2231) were passed, coming into force in May 2016.
Mandate and Objectives
YEA’s primary mandate is to develop, coordinate, supervise, and facilitate the creation of jobs for the youth in Ghana. The agency focuses on supporting individuals aged 15 to 35 through various modules, including skills training and internships, to transition them from unemployment to employment.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The governance of YEA is entrusted to a board comprising:
- A chairperson with recognized experience in administration and human resource development.
- The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency.
- A representative from the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.
- An individual nominated by the Minister with qualifications in human resources or administration.
- The Chief Labour Officer.
As of January 2025, Malik Basintale serves as the Acting CEO of YEA.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
The CEO of YEA is appointed by the President of Ghana, reflecting the agency’s significance in national development. Recruitment into YEA’s programs targets young Ghanaians between 15 and 35 years, offering them opportunities across various sectors such as health, education, and security.
Collaborations and Partnerships
YEA collaborates with multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance its programs. Notably, it works alongside the National Youth Authority (NYA), established under the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939), to coordinate youth empowerment activities across the country.
Innovative Initiatives
To further its mission, YEA launched the Job Centre, a platform designed to compete with private recruitment agencies by connecting young job seekers with potential employers. This initiative aligns with YEA’s vision to become an outstanding public sector agency facilitating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
Achievements
In recent years, YEA has made significant strides in job creation. By December 2023, the agency had provided direct employment to thousands of young people in sectors including security, sanitation, and health. Specifically, YEA engaged 15,000 Community Police Assistants, 6,000 Community Health Workers, and 1,500 Community Prison Assistants. Additionally, 45,000 individuals were employed as sanitation workers, 6,000 as insurance agents, and 4,000 in farming roles.
References
- https://www.yea.gov.gh/index.php/about-us
- https://www.yea.gov.gh/
- https://www.pulse.com.gh/articles/news/malik-basintale-named-acting-ceo-of-youth-employment-agency-2025012408203008734
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Youth_Authority_%28Ghana%29
- https://gna.org.gh/2023/12/yea-makes-significant-gains-creates-direct-jobs-for-thousands-of-young-people/
- https://www.yea.gov.gh/index.php/projects/job-centre
- https://melr.gov.gh/files/publications/Youth_Employment_Agency_ACT.pdf
- https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/658821597419558922/pdf/Youth-Employment-Programs-in-Ghana-Options-for-Effective-Policy-Making-and-Implementation.pdf
- https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/658821597419558922/youth-employment-programs-in-ghana-options-for-effective-policy-making-and-implementation