“Kayayei” Empowerment Programme Launched in Accra to Empower 5000 Female Head Porters

An initiative  dedicated to uplift the socio-economic status of  5000  the female head porters mostly known  as “Kayayei” Empowerment Programme was launched in Accra on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

The initiative, led by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to empower 5000 female head porters across the country through the transformative power of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The programme, which has been meticulously crafted to provide holistic and sustainable economic empowerment to these resilient young women, is characterized by a rigorous and exhaustive recruitment process.

The initial training cohorts comprise 5000 head porters who will undergo a transformative learning experience, encompassing essential modules such as baking and beading, supplemented by soft skills training in personal health care, financial management, and entrepreneurial acumen.

The programme is made possible through the collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships forged between government agencies, private enterprises, and esteemed civil society organizations. The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), the Father Campbell Foundation, BEST, and the Ghana National Gas Company and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport (BOST) have all contributed to the success of this endeavour.

In his address, Vice-President Dr. Bawumia described the programme as a cause close to his heart, addressing the plight of a marginalized segment of society that has long been relegated to the shadows of neglect and indifference.

“This noble endeavour resonates profoundly with the core values of our mission, as it squarely addresses the pressing needs of a marginalized segment of our society that has long been relegated to the shadows of neglect and indifference,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia highlighted the harsh realities of homelessness, inadequate medical care, and urban harassment faced by kayayei on a daily basis.

“From the harsh realities of homelessness to the glaring deficiencies in access to adequate health care and the pervasive scourge of urban harassment, the plight of the kayayei stands as a stark testament to the moral imperative of urgent intervention to uplift and transform their lives,” he emphasized.

The programme is designed to provide post-training support and implementation of a track and trace model, ensuring that participants receive starter packs tailored to facilitate their seamless integration into new economic opportunities.

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Additionally, discussions are underway with Metro Mass and Ayalolo to provide driving training, while conversation is  also being held to provide Information Communication and Technology (ICT) training.

“We are in talks to provide them with Information Communication and Technology (ICT) training… 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 announced.

The launch was marked by the inauguration of two newly built hostels at Madina in the La Nkwantanang Municipality and Ashaiman in the Ashaiman Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

Each hostel has been designed to accommodate 300 girls and is equipped with modern training facilities, sanitary washrooms, and bathing areas.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Nii Kwartei Glover, commended the government’s commitment to providing safe and dignified housing and skills training for kayayei.

“These facilities will provide them with a safe and secured place to live while acquiring the requisite Vocational skills for life-long productive ventures,” he emphasized.

The “Kayayei” Empowerment Programme is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of marginalized women.

With its focus on providing holistic economic empowerment, post-training support, and continuous monitoring and evaluation, this initiative is poised to transform the lives of thousands of female head porters across the country.

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