The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Yendi, Mr. Muniru Sugri, has urged the municipality's youth to embrace government employment initiatives. He stated these programmes offer vital opportunities to improve livelihoods and achieve aspirations.
Mr. Sugri highlighted that government's flagship employment programmes provide avenues for young people to develop skills and build better futures. He encouraged full utilisation of these initiatives, which aim to reduce unemployment and foster economic participation among the youth.
This call comes amidst broader national efforts to address youth unemployment and promote safe labour migration. Ghana faces persistent challenges in absorbing its young workforce, making government interventions critical. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service often points to high youth unemployment rates, particularly in rural areas.
Mr. Sugri made these remarks during a sensitisation training for Yendi youth on irregular migration dangers. The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) organised this training as part of a nationwide campaign. The campaign educates young Ghanaians on safe, orderly, and regular labour migration practices.
The training equipped participants with information on available employment opportunities under government initiatives. It also detailed the significant risks associated with irregular migration. These risks include human trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and substantial financial loss.
Mr. Sugri stressed the importance of acquiring necessary information and skills before making employment decisions, both locally and abroad. He warned against travelling through unapproved routes, which often expose individuals to severe dangers.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Hajia Rafiatu Mohammed, from the Migration Information Centre (MIC) in Tamale, reinforced these warnings. She advised youth against travelling without appropriate documents or using fake travel papers. DSI Mohammed cautioned that fraudulent documents and unapproved routes lead to arrest, deportation, and exploitation.
The Yendi MCE appealed to the YEA and the Ghana Immigration Service to continue engaging with the youth. Such sustained engagement ensures more young people benefit from crucial training and awareness programmes. This ongoing support is essential for guiding youth towards legitimate opportunities and away from perilous journeys.
The government's commitment to youth employment remains a key policy objective. Programmes like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and YouStart aim to create jobs and support young entrepreneurs. These initiatives seek to provide viable alternatives to irregular migration.
Addressing youth unemployment and promoting safe migration are critical for Ghana's long-term economic stability. Effective implementation of these programmes can significantly impact youth livelihoods. It also protects vulnerable populations from exploitation and contributes to national development goals.