Veep formally launches NYEP in Upper East Region

Bolgatanga, May 19, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama formally launched the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in the Upper East Region, at a maiden passing out parade of the Community Police Guards in the North, at Bolgatanga.

The 229 trainees, who are beneficiaries of the NYEP, bring to 246, the number of people trained in the country so far.

The trainees, who were drawn from Salaga, Tamale and Kassena-Nankana districts, were dressed in their official uniform of black and deep yellow, delighted the ecstatic crowd with physical drills in self-defence, riot control and dexterity in slow and quick marches. They also undertook various courses comprising, Report Writing and Self Defence. Vice President Mahama, who was the Reviewing Officer, noted that the NYEP, which was launched by the Government in 2006, had turned around the economic fortunes of the country.

He said so far 92,075 jobs had been created, which had impacted positively in the education sector where over 23,000 Community Teaching Assistants were teaching in the rural areas.

Vice President Mahama said the programme would salvage the country from poverty and appealed to chiefs and other custodians of lands to make land available to the youth to facilitate job creation. The NYEP has several modules being implemented nationwide. It comprises Youth in Agri-Business, Graduate Internship Programme, Community Policing, Trades and Vocations and Information, Communication and Technology.

Alhaji Abubakar Saddique, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, said youth unemployment was an issue that transcended politics. He said government was exploring ways of training and supporting graduates, who wished to set up their own businesses. "We are identifying service providers who will support these potential entrepreneurs through training, guidance and counselling," he said.

He said Ghana initiated the NYEP after an African meeting in Burkina Faso in 2004 that recommended the need for modules to generate youth employment.

Alhaji Saddique said so far Ghana had been the pace setter of the programme with 10 modules to its credit. Mr Boniface Gambilla, Regional Minister asked the graduates to assume the role of Police officers. "I can assure you that the law will not spare you, if you go contrary to what is required of you as community protection corps. 19 May 07