Chairman of the board, Mutiu-Rahaman Abubakar (standing with the microphone)
The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has inaugurated a new board for the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
Speaking during the inuguration ceremony on May 7, 2025, he called on the team to spearhead transformative reforms that will shape a brighter future for Ghana’s youth.
He described the board’s formation as a pivotal moment for youth development, emphasising the need for innovation, accountability, and measurable impact in addressing youth unemployment.
“This board represents not only a new beginning for the Youth Employment Agency but also a commitment to shaping a brighter future for the young people of our nation,” Opare Addo stated.
He tasked the newly sworn-in board with undertaking a comprehensive review of all existing YEA modules, including the controversial Youth in Sanitation Module, operated in collaboration with Zoomlion.
The review, he said, should assess the impact, operational cost, and relevance of each programme to ensure alignment with national development goals.
Opare Addo further stressed the importance of partnerships with private sector actors who share a passion for youth empowerment and the necessity of timely and fair compensation for all beneficiaries.
“Our goal is not just to create jobs, but to empower our youth with the skills, experience, and hope they need to succeed beyond the classroom,” he added.
The Chairman of the board, Mutiu-Rahaman Abubakar, pledged on behalf of the board that they would uphold the vision and policy directives laid out by the minister and the president of the republic John Dramani Mahama and would diligently work to fulfil the objectives of the agency.
“We are honoured by the trust placed in us by the Minister and His Excellency the President…We accept the challenge and assure you that we will approach our mandate with the seriousness it deserves. We will pursue the policy direction given to us religiously and ensure that the agency lives up to its purpose.”
He urged fellow board members to familiarise themselves with the legal framework guiding YEA operations, stating that understanding the legislation would enrich their contributions during board deliberations and policy implementation.
“The Act will serve as our compass in the boardroom, and we must be deliberate and effective in ensuring that we do not disappoint the youth of this country, the Minister, or the President,” he added.
The other members include Malik Basintale, Emma Ofori Agyemang, Derek Ofosu-Barko, Dawuda Ibrahim Braimah, Eric Mwinyele Banoeyele, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, Debra-Jane Nelson, Bright Baah Egyir.
A representative from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (not below the rank of Director)
The National Youth Authority Coordinator
Two private sector representatives nominated by the minister, including at least one woman.
AM/KA
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