Bawumia Introduces Empowerment Program for ‘Kayayei’ with Hostels and Training Facilities

An ambitious initiative aimed at empowering 5000 female head porters, known as ‘kayayei’, has been launched in Accra. The initiative, named the Kayayei Empowerment Programme, seeks to provide transitional job pathways and elevate the socio-economic status of these women through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The programme, inaugurated on May 21, 2024, by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, includes the establishment of two newly built hostels in Madina and Ashaiman to accommodate participants. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the holistic approach of the programme, which combines technical training in areas like baking and beading with soft skills development in personal health care, financial management, and entrepreneurship.

In addition to the hostels in Madina and Ashaiman, more are under construction in the Ashanti and Bono East regions, each designed to accommodate 300 girls. The success of the programme relies on collaborative efforts between government agencies, private enterprises, and civil society organizations.

Dr. Bawumia expressed personal commitment to the cause, recognizing the plight of over 100,000 head porters who face hardships such as homelessness, lack of medical care, and urban harassment. He stressed the importance of post-training support and a track and trace model to ensure participants’ successful integration into new economic opportunities.

Moreover, partnerships with organizations like Metro Mass and Ayalolo are in progress to provide driving lessons, and discussions for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) training are underway. This broadens the scope of the programme, offering diverse avenues for skills development and economic empowerment.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Nii Kwartei Glover, highlighted the government’s commitment to providing safe housing and skills training for kayayei. He urged local authorities to manage and maintain the facilities effectively.

The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Naa Torshie Addo, emphasized the significance of addressing the longstanding challenges faced by kayayei, noting plans to build more resources in Accra, Ashanti, and Bono regions.

Kofi Baah Agyapong, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), emphasized the comprehensive response of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme to the urgent needs of female head porters. Participants will receive GHC1000 each upon completion of the training, marking a significant step towards transforming their lives and supporting their families.