YEA increases beneficiary allowance from GH¢500 to GH¢800 – Basintale

The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has announced an increase in the monthly allowance paid to beneficiaries from GH¢500 to GH¢800, as part of efforts to improve their welfare and support young Ghanaians participating in the agency’s employment programmes.

Mr Basintale made the announcement during the Accountability Series on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, explaining that the adjustment formed part of measures introduced under his leadership to improve beneficiaries’ conditions while expanding access to employment opportunities.

He also disclosed that the agency had recorded 100,628 beneficiaries as of September 30, 2026, representing 25.7 per cent of its annual target.

According to him, the YEA has made significant progress in expanding recruitment since he assumed office, alongside efforts to improve the financial conditions of beneficiaries.

“I am particularly pleased to announce that since assuming office, we have increased beneficiary recruitment by 566.67% of the number we met. Under our stewardship, monthly beneficiaries’ allowance has been increased from 500 cedis to 800 cedis,” he said.

Mr Basintale said the expansion of the agency’s beneficiary numbers represented more than an increase in recruitment figures, emphasising the role of the programme in providing young people with opportunities to earn an income and contribute to national development.

The agency’s reported 100,628 beneficiaries as of the end of September form part of its efforts to connect young Ghanaians with employment and service opportunities.

The increase in monthly allowances is also intended to improve the financial welfare of participants as they undertake their assigned duties.

Beyond increasing allowances and recruitment, the YEA has introduced measures aimed at improving long-term employment prospects for beneficiaries, particularly those deployed to the security services.

Mr Basintale said the agency had secured retention agreements with security agencies to ensure that at least 60 per cent of beneficiaries are absorbed into permanent employment after completing their two-year service.

He explained that the arrangement was designed to address concerns about what happens to beneficiaries when their period of engagement with the agency ends.

“Our vision is simple. Youth employment is increasingly becoming a bridge to lasting careers rather than a temporary response to unemployment,” he stated.

The proposed retention pathway is intended to help beneficiaries transition from temporary programme participation into more stable employment.

The YEA chief executive also said the agency had prioritised the timely payment of monthly allowances to minimise delays and provide beneficiaries with more predictable income.

He acknowledged that challenges remained but maintained that improving the welfare of participants continued to be a key priority.

The allowance increase, recruitment expansion and retention arrangements form part of the agency’s broader efforts to strengthen its employment programmes and improve opportunities for young people across Ghana.