In a bid to tackle the escalating youth unemployment crisis in the country, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has announced a strategic partnership with the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Health Service, to oversee the development, coordination, supervision and facilitation of employment for the youth.
This collaboration aimed at recruiting new personnel under the Community Protection Assistants Module and launching the Community Health Workers (CHW) Programme.
This initiative, the agency said in a statement was aligned with the YEA Act of 2015 and the Youth Employment Agency Regulation of 2016.
The application period for prospective Community Health Workers was opened yesterday October 22 and last till October 29, 2024. The applicants are encouraged to submit their applications through the YEA portal and seek assistance at local YEA District offices.
The CHW Programme aims to strengthen the community health workforce to improve access to healthcare services in rural areas, thereby contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage and enhancing the country’s response to healthcare challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under this programme, selected individuals, will work closely with the Ghana Health Service at the community level, ensuring that healthcare resources reach those who need them most.
To qualify for the programme, applicants must be aged between 18 and 35, possess at least a Senior High School certificate with passes in English and Mathematics, and be fluent in English along with at least one local language.
Additionally, candidates should either possess or be willing to learn how to use a smartphone, which is essential for communication and data collection purposes.
The YEA emphasized that successful candidates will be stationed in their communities to foster locally-driven healthcare delivery, acting as essential links between community members and healthcare services.
It is important to note that Community Health Workers are not licensed health professionals but rather individuals equipped with basic training to support Community Health Nurses, Officers, and Midwives.
Potential candidates can apply free of charge through the YEA online portal at apply.yea.gov.gh. The deadline for applications is October 29, 2024.
With regards to the Community Protection Assistance initiative is aligned with the YEA Act 2015 (Act 887), aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for the youth while reinforcing community safety through collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.
According to a statement released by the YEA, the application process for this new opportunity will also open on October 22, 2024, and will run through October 29, 2024.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications through the designated online portal and are invited to visit their local YEA District offices for assistance throughout the application process.
“This initiative is a part of our commitment to creating meaningful employment for the youth in Ghana while also contributing to community safety and security.” The statement read.
“We believe that by engaging young people in this capacity, we can not only alleviate unemployment but also foster a sense of responsibility and empowerment among them.” It stated.
The Community Protection Assistants Module is designed to provide young individuals with practical experience in community policing, equipping them with valuable skills relevant to law enforcement and community service.
It further stated that the YEA, along with the Ghana Police Service, aims to create a framework of support that enables the youth to play a pivotal role in the safety and security of their communities.
The statement added that eligible youth who are passionate about serving their communities and are interested in joining this initiative are urged to take advantage of this opportunity.
It concluded that detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and the application process is available on the YEA website.
As the YEA continues to implement programmes aimed at reducing unemployment among Ghana’s youth, this partnership with the Ghana Police Service marks a significant step toward fostering a safer and more secure environment for all citizens while providing essential employment opportunities for young people.
This initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Ghanaian government to create job opportunities for youth and address pressing public health needs in the country.
The YEA encouraged all eligible youths, particularly women, to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to their communities while building a career in healthcare support.
