The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, has revealed that the agency, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, is committed to supporting 21,000 young men, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Savannah Region.
The initiative will focus on 125,000 start-up kits to create new businesses and jobs.
According to her, out of these numbers, 70% will be young women and 10% will be persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking in Damongo on Tuesday (20 February 2024) at the Savannah regional launch of the Business in a Box (BizBox) initiative, the GEA boss noted that the journey to 250,000 jobs has just begun and as an agency, they believe it is essential to galvanise support from all stakeholders for the smooth implementation of the project.
“It is our hope to work closely with all our implementing partners to mobilise resources and create an enabling environment for the effective implementation of this project,” Yankey-Ayeh said.
The Business in A Box (BizBox) initiative is a youth entrepreneurship programme by the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Program (YEEP).
The project, according to Yankey-Ayeh, will provide a comprehensive framework for the youth to succeed as entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of the Savannah Region and Ghana’s economy.
The BizBox intervention is also designed to focus on sectors including agriculture and agribusiness at 50%, tourism and creative industries at 30%, building and construction at 10% and others made up of electrical/electronics, wood and joinery, and hairdressing.
“We know your influence within your communities is invaluable, and by rallying behind initiatives like these, we can create a multiplier effect that will benefit not only the participants but also our entire society.”
The Savannah Region Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jibril, commended the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) and the MasterCard Foundation for their continuous commitment to the development of the nation.
“To you, the youth present today, recognise that you are valuable assets to the development of our country and the architects of our future,” Muhazu said.
Christy Afisha Adam, a beneficiary of the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) thanked the institution for providing such an opportunity for her.
Reporting by Tahiru Abdul-Washiru in the Savannah region
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