By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, May 2, 2025, GNA – The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to tackle youth unemployment.
The agreement, signed at the Interior Ministry, was witnessed by Interior Minister Mr. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak and Minister for Youth Empowerment and Employment Mr. George Opare Addo.
It launches a long-term partnership to enlist and train over 5,000 youth to assist the GNFS in managing fire outbreaks, especially in markets.
Mr. Mubarak said that beneficiaries would serve for two years, with the programme later extended to other security agencies, including the Police Service.
He said the initiative aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Ghana Agenda, which prioritises job creation.
The Ghana Statistical Service reported a 32.8 per cent youth unemployment rate in 2023 for those aged 15 to 24, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Mr. Addo noted that the collaboration would equip beneficiaries with essential skills to improve their chances of securing permanent jobs.
He described the initiative as a deliberate effort to create sustainable employment and reduce youth crime rates.
Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer, YEA, pledged full cooperation with implementers and commitment to finding more solutions to youth unemployment.
He assured that YEA would open enlistment portals for applications, provide stipends, and recommend qualified beneficiaries for recruitment into security services after two years of training.
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