Vice Prez Opoku-Agyemang Recommends Holistic Approach To Address Kayayei Challenges
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has proposed interventions for head porters to be rooted in their own aspirations and linked to opportunities that can create sustainable livelihoods.
She made the call when she received a delegation from the Kayayei Association, led by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the Office of the Vice President. The meeting focused on the challenges facing kayayei and the interventions needed to improve their livelihoods.
The engagement built on previous conversations that have deepened understanding of the experiences of kayayei, including concerns about exploitation, access to skills training, opportunities to establish sustainable businesses, and the welfare of women and children.
The Vice President stressed that the kayayei phenomenon must be understood within the broader context of migration, inequality and development.
She noted that both push and pull factors drive people to leave their communities, making it necessary to address the underlying conditions that leave them vulnerable upon arrival in cities.
While underscoring the importance of skills development, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that training must have a clear purpose and be connected to the tools, capital and opportunities needed to translate skills into viable businesses.
She also expressed particular concern about the circumstances of children in these communities, stressing that their welfare must remain central to any long-term intervention. She further called for stronger measures to protect women from exploitation.
The Vice President commended the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Kayayei Association for their continued engagement.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to developing a more holistic response that creates opportunities, strengthens protection and enables every person to realise their full potential.
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