Gov’t to provide 5,000 head porters with entrepreneurship skills, starter packs this year – Dr Bawumia

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia launched the Kayayie empowerment Programme on Tuesday, an initiative providing entrepreneurial skills and economic development to 5,000 head porters (Kayayie) across the country this year.

Participants will receive a three-week transformative learning experience that will include key modules like baking and beading, as well as soft skills training in personal health care, financial management, and entrepreneurship.

The initiative is a combination of government agencies, business companies, and civil society organizations.

The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation scheme (NEIP), the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and the Father Campbell Foundation are among the organisations collaborating in the scheme.

Currently, there are over 100,000 head porters throughout the country. The initiative aims to economically empower people and improve their lives by providing long-term employment opportunities.

Vice President Bawumia announced the Kayayie Empowerment Programme at the Madina Social Centre in Accra, saying the initiative was methodically planned and executed to bring holistic and long-term economic empowerment to resilient young women in the country.

He stated that highly experienced trainers and instructors had created a curriculum that was in line with industry standards, as well as solid assessment mechanisms and the provision of important supportive measures such as starting kits and internship placements.

The Vice President identified the plan as a high-priority intervention because of its ability to alleviate the situation of a marginalized group of people.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, let us collectively pledge our unwavering commitment and solidarity to ensure the resounding success of the Kayayie Empowerment Programme. “United by the resolute belief that ‘It Is Possible’, let us stand as beacons of hope, breaking down barriers, forging new pathways, and charting a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” the Vice President stressed.

The initiative now has two hostels, with more under development in the Ashanti and Bono East regions. Each hostel is designed to accommodate and meet the needs of 300 girls.

The dormitories have contemporary training facilities, washrooms, and bathing spaces. The Vice President stated that the hostels demonstrated the government’s unshakable commitment to protecting the dignity and well-being of all participants in the initiative.

“With an overarching goal to empower Kayayei across Ghana through the transformative power of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), the programme sets out to train a total of 5,000 girls this year (both residential and non- residential).

“In addition to the strides already made, I’m thrilled to announce that discussions are ongoing with Metro Mass and Ayalolo to teach them driving,” Dr Bawumia stated.

“Furthermore, we will provide them with ICT training. These partnerships will further expand the horizons of the Kayayie Empowerment Programme, offering even more avenues for skills development and economic empowerment,” he added.

Mr Kofi Agyapong, the Chief Executive Officer of YEA, stated that the Agency would pay each participant with a GHC500 monthly stipend during the course to help them financially. He stated that two groups of 600 participants would begin the programme or initiative at the Madina and Ashaiman residential facilities.