The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has increased monthly allowances for its beneficiaries from GH¢500 to GH¢800, representing a 60% increment, Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale has announced.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at Jubilee House today, Wednesday, October 21, Mr Basintale said the adjustment formed part of efforts to improve the welfare of young people participating in the Agency’s employment programmes.
He explained that the YEA recognised the importance of ensuring that employment interventions provided not only opportunities to work and acquire skills but also better support for beneficiaries who contribute to public services and other assigned activities.
“We believe that the dignity of labour must be reflected, as much as practicable, in the remuneration and welfare of those who work, and we are doing just that!” he said.
Mr Basintale also identified the timely payment of allowances as a priority, noting that the Agency had been working to improve the regularity and predictability of payments.
“We recognise that young people who commit themselves to public service deserve predictable remuneration, without having to endure prolonged and unnecessary delays,” he said.
He acknowledged that challenges remained but said the Agency would continue to strengthen its payment arrangements, adding that beneficiary welfare would remain central to its operations.