The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has delivered industrial sewing machines to its Western Regional office, to be allocated to beneficiaries under the Youth in Garment and Textiles Module.
This initiative is aimed at empowering young individuals interested in tailoring and dressmaking, bridging skill gaps, and creating sustainable employment opportunities within the garment industry.
Garment and textile module
The Garment and Textile Module has already garnered significant interest, with over 2,000 registered beneficiaries shortlisted for training.
In collaboration with 500 master craftsmen in micro and small-scale tailoring, YEA is providing hands-on training.
Additionally, more than 20 industrial garment companies have been engaged to train beneficiaries in large-scale garment manufacturing.
Skills development
Speaking to the media, Kofi Baah Agyapong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YEA, highlighted the agency’s accomplishments in the Western Region, which have positively impacted various sectors.
He reiterated YEA’s dedication to transforming lives, generating employment, and driving economic growth.
Over 3,400 jobs created in Western Region
Agyapong outlined key achievements in the region, noting that YEA has facilitated the creation of over 3,400 jobs.
These include Community Protection Assistants—949 individuals now working with the Ghana Police Service, Community Health Workers—379 deployed to health facilities, and Prison Office Assistants—94 engaged with the Ghana Prisons Service.
School Support Programme
Under the School Support Programme, he disclosed that 151 Kitchen Assistants have been engaged and are working with senior high schools, 150 Security Assistants have been deployed across institutions, and 83 Community Teaching Assistants have been recruited.
Skills Training and Empowerment
In the area of Skills Training and Empowerment, Mr. Agyapong noted that 652 artisanal trainees have graduated, with an additional 652 currently in training, while 63 dressmaking trainees have been empowered and provided with startup tools.
BEAP
Through the Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP), he said 183 micro-businesses are thriving and receive monthly support, while another 89 businesses, including Zaima Enterprise, Dehome City, and Regimez Ventures, have been supported.
He disclosed that 21 garment companies have been assisted, with each receiving GH₵18,750 for business growth.
Govt’s commitment to responsible stewardship
Mr Agyapong underscored the government’s role in ensuring that public resources benefit the youth in the Western Region.
“We may not have recruited every young person, but over 2,800 youth in this region alone are directly employed under YEA programs,” he stated.
He also detailed the agency’s broad scope of initiatives, spanning training in tailoring, plumbing, tiling, and ICT.
Efficient resource management
Mr Agyapong assured attendees that beneficiaries in the region receive timely monthly allowances, showcasing the program’s efficiency.
“This is why we are here—to manage resources responsibly and ensure our youth thrive,” he added.
Optimism for the future
The handover ceremony concluded with optimism, as the sewing machines and other initiatives highlight the government’s resolve to equip the next generation with skills, opportunities, and hope.
As Agyapong noted, “This is just the beginning—together, we’re building skills, creating jobs, and changing lives.”
The items were received in the Western Region by the Regional Director, with the Central Regional Director and the Regional Minister also expressing gratitude to YEA for their support in bridging the unemployment gap
