The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fisheries Commission and Ghana’s 66 Artillery Regiment to launch a youth training program focused on fish farming.

This partnership aims to equip young Ghanaians with valuable aquaculture skills, contributing to economic growth and employment.

Speaking at the signing event, YEA CEO Kofi Baah Agyepong emphasized the agency’s dedication to job creation and skill development.

“This MoU represents our shared commitment to create jobs through innovative ideas in a booming market,” he stated.

“The fundamental mandate of the YEA is to create jobs, and we continue to achieve this across diverse sectors.”

The YEA will fund the training, aiming to enrol 1,000 youth in the initial phase, with each participant receiving a monthly stipend of GH¢500 for basic living expenses.

MrAgyepong also highlighted the broader impact of YEA’s initiatives, noting that the agency has trained 10,000 youth across various technical skills, with an additional 10,000 currently training in trades like tiling, plumbing, auto mechanics, and IT.

“We’re building people up with skill development and entrepreneurship across the nation,” he added.

A representative from the Fisheries Commission connected the program to the Commission’s “Aquaculture for Food and Jobs” initiative, which seeks to boost fish production and provide decent jobs.

“Our vision is to increase fish production and create jobs for youth and women,” the representative said.

“This collaboration with YEA will help us realize that vision.”

Lt. Colonel Jalali Din Ibrahim of the 66 Artillery Regiment also expressed pride in the partnership, pledging the regiment’s support for the program’s success.

“We’re pleased to collaborate and help this project reach its full potential,” he remarked.

This aquaculture initiative is part of YEA’s broader strategy to tackle unemployment through skill development, with fish farming identified as a sector with strong growth potential in local markets.

YEA’s goal is to drive immediate job creation while promoting long-term sustainability, empowering Ghanaian youth and meeting the country’s growing demand for fish products.

To oversee the project’s activities, a seven-member committee has been commissioned, including Lt. Col. Jalali Din Ibrahim, Lt. (Gen) Kojo Edem Agezo, Sub Lt. Sebastian Osabarima, Dr. Lawrence Armah Ahiah, Jenifer Viglo, and Fordjour.