The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the 66 Artillery Regiment of Ho and the Fisheries Commission for a training programme focused on fish farming to create sustainable job opportunities for the youth. 

The initiative, which includes comprehensive training and financial support, is expected to empower 1,000 youth across the country in the first phase to pursue careers in aquaculture.

Each trainee will receive a monthly stipend of GH¢500 to cover basic living expenses during the programme.

Under the terms of the agreement, YEA will provide the necessary funding for the programme while the Fisheries Commission will lead the hands-on training, ensuring that participants acquire the expertise required to succeed in aquaculture.

The 66 Artillery Regiment will offer its premises for the training sessions and provide logistical support to ensure the programme runs smoothly.

To guarantee the efficient management and accountability of the initiative, a nine-member committee will oversee the programme. 

Economic opportunities

The agreement was signed in Accra yesterday among the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the YEA, Kofi Baah Agyepong; the Director of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Fisheries Commison, Dr Lawrence Armah Ahiah, and the Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jalila Ibrahim.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Agyepong highlighted the significance of the collaboration as part of YEA’s core mission to drive job creation.

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

"The fundamental mandate of the YEA is to create jobs, and we continue to achieve this across diverse sectors," Mr Agyepong said.

With the popularity of tilapia and catfish products in the country, he stated that the aquaculture industry presented a viable economic opportunity, especially for young entrepreneurs.

“Across the nation, from bustling cities to local neighbourhoods, tilapia and catfish joints have become popular spots, contributing significantly to our economy. YEA is committed to being part of this dynamic industry,” the CEO of YEA stated.

He said the partnership would leverage the strengths of both the Military and the Fisheries Commission, with the Military offering security expertise and the Fisheries Commission providing specialised knowledge in fish farming.

Mr Agyepong said the programme followed YEA’s recent successes in other skills training initiatives that had enabled numerous young Ghanaians to establish small businesses and trades, contributing to economic stability and growth in communities across the country.

He further called for responsible management of the project’s resources, urging all partners to commit to managing funds and resources responsibly to ensure its success.

Mr Agyepong also emphasised the YEA’s broader impact, noting that the agency had trained 10,000 young people across a range of areas, including artisanal and technical skills, with an additional cohort of 10,000 currently undergoing training in trades such as tiling, plumbing, auto mechanics, and information technology (IT). 

Support

Lt. Col Ibrahim expressed pride in the partnership, pledging the regiment's support to ensure the programme’s success.

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