The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has employed about 282 disabled people nationwide as district and regional disability officers.
In November 2022, the government abolished the toll system on public roads and bridges, resulting in the layoff of 99 former tollbooth workers.
YEA CEO Kofi Agyepong briefed the media on Thursday, February 22, in Accra. He said the beneficiaries were chosen through a rigorous process and that they will also assist in policy formulation.
“The Youth Employment Authority has successfully recruited 282 persons with disability possessing at least senior high school qualification.”
“These individuals have been appointed as staff members of our agency, with those holding diplomas or higher qualification assuming roles as regional disability desk officers, and those with SHS qualifications appointed as district disability desk officers across the 16 regions and 266 operational districts, respectively,” he added.
“This employment affords them not only a sense of pride and financial stability but also position of influence where they can contribute meaningfully to policy formulation and implementation concerning disability rights,” Agyepong stated.
YEA has created alternative pathways through effective programs like the Business and Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP), Youth in Skills training, and the garment and textile training initiative under the Garment and Textile module, ensuring equitable opportunities for all individuals, in addition to addressing the immediate needs of former tollbooth workers.
He said the agency made sure the newly hired PWDs had social security and welfare, that they would be treated fairly and have access to the same benefits as other government workers.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com