YEA Raises Monthly Allowance for Beneficiaries to GH¢800 – Basintale

The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has disclosed that the monthly allowance for beneficiaries has been increased from GH¢500 to GH¢800.

The adjustment, he said, is part of efforts to improve beneficiaries’ welfare and support young people participating in the agency’s employment programmes.

Speaking at the Accountability Series on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Mr Basintale disclosed that the agency had recorded 100,628 beneficiaries as of September 30, representing 25.7% of its annual target.

He also reported a significant rise in recruitment figures since he assumed office, attributing the progress to measures introduced under his leadership.

“I am particularly pleased to announce that since assuming office, we have increased beneficiary recruitment by 566.67% of the number we met. Under our stewardship, monthly beneficiaries’ allowance has been increased from 500 cedis to 800 cedis,” he said.

Mr Basintale explained that the agency’s efforts go beyond increasing beneficiary numbers, stressing that the programme provides young people with opportunities to earn a living and contribute to national development.

He further disclosed that the YEA had reached agreements with security agencies to improve the chances of beneficiaries securing permanent employment after their service.

According to him, the agreements are intended to ensure that at least 60% of beneficiaries deployed to the security services are retained in permanent positions after completing their two-year service.

He said the arrangement would help address concerns about the employment prospects of beneficiaries when their period with the agency ends.

“Our vision is simple. Youth employment is increasingly becoming a bridge to lasting careers rather than a temporary response to unemployment,” he stated.

The YEA chief executive also said the agency was prioritising the timely payment of allowances to minimise delays and give beneficiaries greater certainty about their earnings.

Although he acknowledged that challenges remained, Mr Basintale maintained that the welfare of beneficiaries continued to be a major priority for the agency.