GEA/Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works supports 3,000 Beneficiaries with Start-up Kits

The Ghana Enterprises Agency in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation have presented 3,000 Start-up Kits to beneficiaries who have completed their apprenticeship program.

The GEA/Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Project is under one of GEA’s flagship Programs, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Programme (YEEP). YEEP is an upgraded and job-focused version of all the apprenticeship and technical training programs undertaken by GEA to equip the teeming youth with employable skills to support our existing entrepreneurs to create employment.

The beneficiaries who have received a six-month training in Dressmaking, Hairdressing, Barbering, Leather Works, Auto Electricals, Welding & Fabrication among others are being provided with the necessary tools to start their business.

The Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, stated that GEA per its mandate is committed to promoting and developing the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Sector in Ghana to translate into jobs and wealth creation through the provision of timely interventions.

This she noted aligns with the Government’s industrialization Agenda to transform Ghana into an entrepreneurial economy and provide Ghana’s youth with decent, dignified and sustainable jobs.

“Today’s event is the symbolism of that commitment as we present Start-up Kits to beneficiaries of the Project, she added.

She stated that a total of 8,000 beneficiaries that were attached to approved GEA Skilled Crafts Persons (SCPs) across the country have completed their technical training and a soft skill in Financial Literacy, Bookkeeping, Social Media Marketing, Customer Care and Banking to make them better managers of their business. The Beneficiaries were also supported in writing NVTI examinations.

Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh stated that the Ceremony which commences in the Greater Accra Region today will be replicated in the Central, Eastern, Savanna, Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East

The Project is aimed at creating 39,000 decent jobs for the youth and it falls under three main Components: Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE), Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship (A2E), and MSME Business Acceleration (MBA).

The Project which is in its last phase has created 28,483 jobs.
“I commend all the beneficiaries for their commitment and dedication to this worthy course and urge them to use the items for the intended purpose”. Our doors are always open for any form of support that will transform your businesses to boost Ghana’s economy” Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh added.