Malik Basintale, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has raised serious concerns over the rising youth unemployment rate in Ghana, describing it as a critical threat to national security.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Basintale highlighted that his primary responsibility is to create jobs for the unemployed youth, a mission he considers deeply personal and urgent.
“I have one mandate to achieve, and it is delivering jobs to the unemployed youth. It is very dear to my heart. For many of you who watch me on TV or follow my campaign on social media, I have never appeared without feeling the plights of the many unemployed Ghanaian youth,” he said.
He stressed that youth unemployment not only affects economic growth but also poses a serious risk to the country’s security.
“This is a national security threat. If more people are unemployed, they could pick arms and go and engage in all manner of things,” he cautioned.
Basintale underscored the importance of creating sustainable job opportunities and equipping the youth with skills to become self-reliant.
“It is incumbent on us to create sustainable jobs for the Ghanaian youth. It is incumbent on us to give them the skills to also create jobs for themselves. If YEA sets up its own institution, it can recruit many people, and there may be indirect jobs in YEA,” he stated.
He also issued a stern warning to employees who might prioritise personal profit over their duties.
“What I don’t like, and I keep saying it, is that if your intention is to make money, then today you better resign and go home. We are not here to look for money. We are here to work and make the President of the country, John Dramani Mahama, proud,” Basintale declared
The newly appointed YEA boss reaffirmed his commitment to tackling unemployment with a focus on sustainable and impactful solutions to benefit the youth and contribute to Ghana’s development.
Source: Citinewsroom