Ghana Launches Kayayei Empowerment Programme to Uplift 5000 Female Head Porters

The Vice-President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the Kayayei Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic status of 5000 female head porters, commonly known as "kayayei," through Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The launch event, held in Accra, also saw the inauguration of two newly constructed hostels in Madina and Ashaiman, Greater Accra Region, to house the programme participants.

In his address, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the programme is meticulously designed to offer holistic and sustainable economic empowerment to the kayayei. "This noble endeavour resonates profoundly with the core values of our mission, addressing the pressing needs of a marginalized segment of our society that has long been relegated to the shadows of neglect and indifference," he said.

The initiative will involve a comprehensive recruitment process, leading to the selection of 5000 head porters who will undergo a transformative three-week training. This training includes essential skills such as baking and beading, supplemented by soft skills training in personal health care, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Post-training support will ensure participants do not return to being head porters, with a track and trace model and starter packs provided to facilitate their integration into new economic opportunities.

Dr. Bawumia announced additional hostel constructions in the Ashanti and Bono East regions, each designed to accommodate 300 girls and equipped with modern training facilities and amenities to ensure the dignity and well-being of the participants.

The programme is a collaborative effort involving government agencies, private enterprises, and civil society organizations, including the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Youth Employment Agency (YEA), and others. The initiative aims to address the harsh realities faced by over 100,000 head porters in the country, such as homelessness, inadequate medical care, and urban harassment.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Nii Kwartei Glover, highlighted the government's commitment to providing safe and dignified housing and skills training for the kayayei. He charged the local municipal assemblies with the responsibility of managing and maintaining the new facilities.

The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Naa Torshie Addo, announced plans to build a total of sixteen hostels across Accra, Ashanti, and Bono regions in the first and second phases of the project.

Youth Employment Agency (YEA) CEO, Kofi Baah Agyapong, underscored the challenges faced by the female head porters and reiterated the programme's role in providing decent accommodation and equipping them with vital skills for dignified employment. Participants will receive GHC1000 each upon completing the training.

This comprehensive approach marks a significant step towards changing the narrative for Ghana's kayayei, offering them a path to a brighter and more secure future.

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