The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency YEA) has launched the Youth in Export Programme (YiEP) and Export Project Competition.
The competition, which is open to all Ghanaians is also aimed at making agriculture attractive to the youth and create employment opportunities to reduce graduate unemployment in the country.
YiEP, which is starting with the agricultural sector will have youths attached to experience exporters at their farms to mentor them in learning the rudiments of exports business and will be later assisted to establish their own farms while the export competition is for the youth to come out with innovative ideas on projects that will lead them to export.
Addressing a gathering at the official launch in Koforidua, the Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Akua Asabea Asare speaking on the theme ” Youth in export towards a Ghana beyond aid” said the government will continue to provide the youth with platforms to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
“We are very hopeful that this theme will galvanize the youth to participate massively in the year program as well as the export project competition. I am pleased to say that the export project is being implemented by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency same as the competition and both initiatives serves as a platform for both institutions to further contribute to increasing Ghana’s exports as well as assist the youth to be gainfully employed”.
She further indicated that the project will provide a sustainable livelihood for the youth.
“These programs are strategically designed to attract the youth particularly tertiary level students to consider export as an attractive and alternative avenue for employment income generation and sustainable livelihood.”
