The Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II has endorsed the new initiatives of the Youth Employment Agency particularly the Artisan Directory which is set to train artisans and craftsmen in the fields of auto engineering, beautification, tiling, plumbing, masonry etc.

The Asantehene made these pronouncements when he received a delegation comprising of the Board Members, Management and Ambassadors of the Youth Employment Agency in his Palace in Manhyia.

The delegation led by the Board Chairman, Sammy Awuku and CEO Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong presented the new initiatives of the Agency (Job Centre, Artisan Directory and Regional and District Flagship programs) to the King.

The Asantehene commended the Board and Management for their exemplary leadership and for their visionary initiatives some of which they have presented to him.

He charged government and the Agency to partner with artisans of the Suame Magazine to boost the auto mechanic industry in Ghana.

He bemoaned the perception some youth have about craftmanship and condemned the eagerness for white-collar jobs even when the individual has formally acquired engineering, technical and vocational training.

According to the King, not all of us can be medical doctors, lawyers, bankers etc. He reiterated that majority of the people are endowed with God given talents and it is only through the capacity building of these craftsmen; auto mechanics, carpenters, beauticians, musicians, fashion designers etc that the nation can be developed.

Board chairman, Sammy Awuku and CEO Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong on their part assured the King of partnering with artisans at the Suame Magazine to formalize the sector. They also hinted of the Agency’s plan to invest heavily in the Agricultural sector in the region as a means of alleviating poverty among the youth especially those in the rural areas.

The delegation included AGI CEO Seth Twum Akwaboah and Board Members Dr Amoako Tuffour, Emmanuel Asigri, James Quarshie and Nana Yaa Ansua.

Ambassadors present were EIB CEO Bola Ray, CEO of MakeUp Ghana Rebecca Donkor, Actress Emelia Brobbey, Musicians Kwesi Arthur and Wendy Shay.