The Vice President of the Republic, who doubles as the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned the Kayayei Empowerment Training Centre on Tuesday, May 21, at Madina in Accra.
The Centre features two training rooms, three pantries, a kitchen, a clinic, 15 washrooms, five dormitories, fire extinguishers, CCTV, 24/7 security, and a food shed.
The training and hostel facilities under the Kayayei Empowerment Project, have been positioned in different parts of Accra and Kumasi.
The primary aim of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme is to provide head porters with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The programme under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) aims to train 5,000 head potters popularly known as Kayaye between May and November 2024 with 600 Kayayei per cohort each month and provide practical skills and knowledge to participants to prepare them for specific trades and occupations.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President Dr Bawumia said that despite the scepticism and criticisms about the project, he knew it would be possible.
“When I made this promise on behalf of the government, there were many who thought it was not a realistic promise. They thought it was not possible. They said it was a 419 scheme but I knew that ‘insha Allah’ it was possible for us to do it” he stressed.
On his part, the CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Kofi Baah Agyapong, who is responsible for implementing the project, emphasised the programme’s commitment to providing accommodation and equipping head porters with essential skills.
“Our programme adopts an extensive recruitment process offering training in crucial skills such as baking, beading, soap making and many more.
“Additionally, we cover essential soft skills like personal healthcare and financial literacy to ensure holistic development,” Mr Agyapong added.
The head porters also thanked Dr Bawumia and the YEA for alleviating their hardships.
Story by Akokoraba Nyarko Abronoma