YEA Pledges Major Push on Youth Jobs in Western North Region

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up employment and skills development programmes in the Western North Region, with the agency's Chief Executive Officer, Malik Basintale, meeting regional leadership this week to strengthen collaboration on youth empowerment initiatives.

During a visit to the Western North Regional Coordinating Council on Wednesday, 6 August, Mr Basintale outlined the agency's track record and future plans for the region, underscoring that YEA's mandate extends to young people across all parts of Ghana, not just urban centres. The meeting comes as the government continues to position youth employment as central to its broader economic agenda.

Current achievements in Western North

YEA has already made measurable progress in the region. According to Mr Basintale, the agency has facilitated more than 1,800 youth employment opportunities in Western North to date. Additionally, approximately 800 young people from the region have undergone skills development training through various YEA programmes, contributing to a nationwide tally of 30,000 beneficiaries trained across multiple vocational and technical fields.

At the national level, YEA has deployed more than 9,000 young people under its sanitation module, a programme designed to provide immediate employment whilst building experience and work ethic. The agency has also enabled over 600 Ghanaian youth to participate in international exchange programmes, with plans to expand these opportunities in the coming months.

Why it matters for Ghana

Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge across Ghana, particularly in regions outside the capital. Western North, despite being characterised by Regional Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum as one of Ghana's most peaceful and hospitable areas, has historically received less investment in youth-focused development programmes compared to more densely populated zones. The YEA's regional push signals a deliberate effort to bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to employment pathways.

The minister stressed that youth development is integral to President John Dramani Mahama's Reset Agenda, emphasising that the region's long-term growth depends on investing in the skills, innovation and potential of its young population. This alignment between regional and national priorities suggests sustained government commitment to decentralising employment opportunities and reducing rural-urban migration pressures.

For young people in Western North, the expansion of YEA programmes could translate to improved access to formal employment, apprenticeships and skills training without requiring relocation. International exchange opportunities also offer exposure to global work environments and professional networks, potentially enhancing earning capacity and career prospects.

Next steps and expectations

Mr Basintale indicated that YEA's visit was not merely ceremonial but aimed at strengthening operational collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council to ensure programme implementation is responsive to local needs and labour market demands. The agency plans to introduce additional international exchange opportunities in coming months, suggesting further expansion of its offerings.

The Regional Minister's request for YEA support of Western North's representative in Ghana's Most Beautiful 2026 competition, whilst unconventional, reflects the broader relationship-building between state institutions and regional authorities as they work towards shared development objectives.