NYEP Coordinator debunks allegation of politicization

Bolgatanga, Aug. 7, GNA - Mr Abuga Pele, National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) Coordinator, has debunked allegations by a cross section of the Ghanaian society that the programme was being politicized.

Briefing the media on Friday in Bolgatanga on the 2011-2012 strategic plan of the NYEP, he said, it was never true that the Programme was engaging only youth, who are members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He noted that it was unfortunate for anybody to allege that, saying it was wrong for one to assume that the current number of 64,000 youth employed within 18 months of President Mill's Administration, are all NDC members.

Mr Pele explained that the NYEP was introduced to absorb the youth who had completed their education and had no jobs, to give them skills and experience so that they could gain permanent employment.

He said with the introduction of the Senior High Schools, many students could not gain admission to the tertiary level and needed to get something doing to prevent them from engaging in dubious activities.

Mr Pele indicated that NYEP had placed a bill in Parliament, which would help to address the numerous challenges of the Programme such as allowances for the beneficiaries.

He said plans had been put in place for all the modules of the Programme and that after two years, beneficiaries would be absorbed into various departments and organizations such as the Ministry of Health, Security agencies including private security agencies. He added that 4,000 people would be absorbed into the health service.

Mr Pele indicated that more emphasis was being place on trade and vocations where the youth would be supported through training and logistics to establish their own businesses.

He said the Programme would also introduce Youth in housing and construction.

According to him, the name NYEP would be changed to "Youth in Employment and Development Agency"