G/A region : Kayayei hostel neglected
Accra, Ghana - 09 March, 2025 - The Training Center and Hostel facility, established under the previous government’s Kayayei Empowerment Programme to support female head porters in Accra, has deteriorated due to neglect, leaving the once-promising initiative in limbo.
The program, launched by Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on May 21, 2024, aimed to provide vocational training and transitional jobs for 5,000 female head porters (Kayayei).
However, the initiative has stalled, and the facility, designed to accommodate and train beneficiaries, has been left abandoned.
The training was structured as an intensive three-week module covering skills in baking, beading, personal healthcare, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Each facility was meant to house 300 women, with additional hostels planned for Ashaiman, the Ashanti Region, and the Bono East Region.
The project was a joint effort involving government agencies, private enterprises, and civil society organizations to promote economic empowerment for marginalized women.
Speaking to Channel One News, Pearl Mawusi Broohm, the National Youth Employment Agency (YEA) Coordinator for the Kayayei Program, acknowledged that while the initial target of training 5,000 women was not met, progress had been made.
“The target was 5,000 by the end of December, but unfortunately, we couldn’t meet it. However, we made great progress. When we reached out to them, we explained the program and those interested joined voluntarily. So far, we have trained about 3,600 female porters. We have tracked them, and many are using the skills they acquired to generate income.”
Despite these efforts, the project has suffered setbacks, particularly following the 2024 elections. Emmanuel Asamoah, the facility manager for the Kayayei Empowerment Programme, recounted how the centre was vandalized.
“After the elections, the next day, we received reports that some individuals claiming to be from the NDC had taken over the premises. They looted items, including televisions, CCTV monitors, and other equipment. I went there myself and saw the damage. A report was made to the police, and they took over the case.”
Despite growing concerns over the facility’s deteriorating state, Pearl Mawusi Broohm insists that the YEA has not been officially notified of the issue but assured that measures would be taken to restore it for future trainees.
“There is a permanent facility manager responsible for maintenance, ensuring that any necessary repairs are made promptly. I was there in December, and the place was in good shape. If there are any current issues, they have not been officially brought to our attention. However, we are preparing to admit the next cohort for training.”
Source: CitiNewsroom
