The Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Agency, Mr Kofi Baah Agyepong with the support of his able management team, has given permanent employment to 282 persons with disabilities(PWD) including 99 former toll booth workers.
The 282 recruited Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) possessing at least a Senior High School qualification have been appointed as staff members of the agency, with those holding diplomas or higher qualifications assuming roles as Regional Disability Desk Officers, and those with senior high school qualifications appointed as District Disability Desk Officers across all 16 the regions and 266 operational districts, respectively.
Addressing the media, Mr Agyepong stated, “This employment offer gives 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”.
He pointed out that, the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented to Parliament articulated a governmental directive aimed at abolishing road tolls and added that, following this, the Minister for Roads and Transport subsequently announced the immediate suspension of toll collection at various toll booths nationwide.
The YEA Boss hinted that the directives enable over 200 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to regain livelihood Since some previously employed were the breadwinners for their families but became unemployed accompanied by hardships.
“However, as an agency tasked with the pivotal mission of facilitating employment Opportunities for the youth of our nation. we recognized our duty to respond with compassion and practical solutions rather than lamenting the circumstances. we viewed this as an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to effecting positive change”.
The agency, Mr. Kofi Agyepong indicated, is committed to ensuring the social security and welfare of employees including the payment of relevant statutory contributions likewise, enjoying the same economic benefits and privileges as any other government employee for financial security and stability.
“In addressing the needs of individuals without basic qualifications, the Youth Employment Agency has developed alternative pathways through impactful programmes such as the Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP), Youth In Skills training, and the garment and textile training initiative under the Garment and Textile module”.
He extends gratitude to President Nana Akufo Addo, Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the sector minister, and board members for their unwavering support and guidance. Mr. Agyepong further expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFO), and the Centre for Employment of Persons With Disabilities (CEPD) for their invaluable collaboration and support in making the initiative a reality.
