YES denies partisan considerations in selecting beneficiaries

Authorities at the Youth Enterprise Support (YES) programme have dismissed reports of partisan considerations in their recruitment process.

About 2,048 young entrepreneurs have applied for support under the initiative, with about 270 of them from the Ashanti region.

President John Mahama, during the launch of the initiative last year, said the programme forms part of a larger social intervention to create jobs and also facilitate youth development in the country.

However, there are speculations that entrepreneurs who will benefit from the GH?10 million Fund are likely to be loyalists of the ruling party.

But speaking to Prince Minkah on the Ultimate Breakfast show Friday, the Chief Executive Officer of the initiative, Helga Aryee Boadi said there will be no political considerations in selecting beneficiaries.

“Let me stress that the Youth Enterprise Support is a national youth programme for everybody.

“Please there is no side to it, let’s drop the political part of it. It’s unfortunate that people have such perceptions,” she stated.

She reiterated that access to the fund would be “strictly based on merit” and opened to all Ghanaian youth.

“Anybody who walks through our doors will be supported irrespective of their religious, gender, political or ethnic affiliation. Our doors are open and we are seeking to grow the support program. We cannot let His Excellency down”.

YES has began business clinics across the country to mentor entrepreneurs on financial challenges and small start-ups.