YEA Recruits 100,628 Beneficiaries, Achieves 76% of Annual Target
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has recruited 100,628 beneficiaries as of September 30, 2026, achieving 75.7 per cent of its annual target of 133,000 and strengthening efforts to expand employment opportunities for young people across the country.
Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Malik Basintale, announced this at the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
He said the Agency had recorded significant progress across its employment interventions since he assumed office in February 2025, with beneficiary recruitment increasing by more than 566 per cent.
Mr. Basintale said the achievements reflected the Agency’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills, providing work experience and opening pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
He noted that the Agency had also increased monthly allowances for beneficiaries from GH¢500 to GH¢800, representing a 60 per cent rise, to improve their welfare.
To improve prospects for long-term employment, the YEA has secured retention agreements with security agencies to allow at least 60 per cent of beneficiaries to be absorbed after their two-year engagement.
The Agency has also facilitated the development of JobConnectz, a digital platform intended to connect skilled beneficiaries with individuals and businesses seeking their services.
Under the Labour Exchange Programme, more than 1,000 beneficiaries have been recruited for employment opportunities in different countries through structured and lawful arrangements.
Among the Agency’s strongest-performing interventions is the Trades and Vocations programme, which recorded 51,900 beneficiaries against an annual target of 30,000, representing 173 per cent achievement.
The Arabic Teaching Programme also exceeded its target, recording 6,962 beneficiaries against 6,000, while the Prison Office Assistants programme reached 5,207 against a target of 5,000.
He however, acknowledged that funding and administrative challenges continued to affect programme implementation. He cited the capping of Communication Service Tax revenue, which is a principal funding source for the Agency, and the absence of allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
He appealed for a review of the funding arrangements and greater efficiency in administrative approvals to enable the Agency to extend employment opportunities to more young people.
Looking ahead, the YEA plans to introduce new programmes in domestic services, delivery services, corporate services, and agriculture and farming support in 2027.
Mr Basintale reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to making employment opportunities more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Ghanaian youth.
Grace Acheampong, ISD.
