Maleek Basintale Clarifies Youth Employment Agency Plan To Introduce 2 Apps To Support Job Hunters

• Youth Employment Agency boss Maleek Basintale has defended the introduction of two separate mobile apps for the job market
• The CEO of the agency was heavily criticised by Ghanaians after reports about the plans for the mobile applications emerged online
• Basintale claimed that the apps would not cost the taxpayer despite a Public Private Partnership arrangement being in place

The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency, Maleek Basintale has defended the agency’s decision to introduce two separate mobile applications to improve job access in Ghana.

Basintale faced intense criticism online after reports of the plans for the applications.

Some rubbished the need for such an app, noting job creation ought to be the priority while others reminded of similar endeavours under the Akufo-Addo administration.

Reacting to the concerns online, Maleek Basintale tried to justify the need for apps, claiming they would not cost the taxpayer despite a Public Private Partnership arrangement.

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He said via social media:

“The first app is specifically for artisans and skilled workers such as plumbers, carpenters, tailors, masons, and electricians. This platform will make it easier for individuals and businesses to connect with professionals, both locally and internationally."

"This will operate both locally and internationally through our work abroad directorate to be launched in a few days' time. An already full packed App developed through a Private-Public partnership."

Basintale said the second app was fully owned by the agency and sought to connect job seekers with employers daily.

This will operate as EASY and SIMPLE as possible for anyone, anywhere in Ghana to utilise in their search for Jobs. (You need not be an expert in IT to operate since it will be very basic to use)."

What is Ghana's Youth Employment Agency?

The Youth Employment Agency began as the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to address the ever-increasing problem of unemployment among the youth.

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It was officially inaugurated in October 2006 and functioned under the Office of the President without legal backing.

The government decided to rebrand and reposition the Agency as a Public Service Organisation to better serve the teeming unemployed youth.

Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Agency (GYEEDA) was born and outdoored to replace NYEP in October 2012.

In February 2015, the Youth Employment Agency Bill (Youth Employment Agency Act 2015, Act 887) was passed into law and assented to by the President in March 2015.

Subsequently, a Legislative Instrument (Youth Employment Agency Regulations 2016, L.I. 2231) was passed in 2016, gazetted in February 2016 and entered into force in May 2016.

The agency currently oversees the development, coordination, supervision and facilitation of employment for the youth and related matters in Ghana. It also aims to develop, coordinate, supervise and facilitate the creation of jobs for the youth in the country.

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Concerns over 24-hour economy process

YEN.com.gh also reported that concerns have been raised about the lack of clarity from Ghana's government on the 24-hour economy policy.

Presenting the 2025 budget, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said the government would present the proposed policy to Parliament in due course.

The 24-hour economy concept would be anchored on President John Mahama’s vision to create more sustainable jobs for the people of Ghana.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh