The power cut stems from an unpaid bill dating back seven years
Operations at the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) office in Abuakwa North have come to a standstill following the disconnection of electricity by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over a longstanding debt of GH₵5,500.
The power cut, which stems from an unpaid bill dating back seven years, has left the office without electricity for several days, crippling service delivery and raising concerns about the agency’s ability to fulfill its core mandate of addressing youth unemployment in the municipality.
The newly appointed YEA Director for Abuakwa North, Mr. Edmond Kwaku Dua, expressed frustration during an interview after resuming duty on Monday.
“As I resume office today, there is no electricity. Everything is ‘basa’ in the office. Not a single computer is working,” he lamented, describing the dire state of affairs.
The power outage has rendered all electronic equipment inoperable, leaving staff unable to perform basic administrative functions. Mr. Dua has since issued an urgent appeal to the relevant authorities and stakeholders to help settle the outstanding electricity debt and restore power to the office.
In addition to the disconnection, Mr. Dua pointed out the poor condition of the office infrastructure, calling for immediate renovation. He urged individuals, organisations, and government agencies to support efforts to revive the office and enable it to serve the youth effectively.
Despite the challenges, the YEA Director remains hopeful about the broader national agenda to tackle unemployment. Speaking to Accra FM/CTV News reporter Apelete Kofi-Michel, Mr. Dua lauded the proposed 24-hour economy policy, describing it as a potential game-changer for job creation.
“Once we are able to implement it, you can imagine the number of employment opportunities we can create for the youth of this country,” he said, noting that about 140,000 young people enter the Ghanaian labour market each year.
Mr. Dua further emphasised the importance of the private sector’s involvement in realising President John Mahama’s One Million Jobs Agenda, which aligns with the YEA’s broader efforts to reduce unemployment across the country.
In a statement, the YEA highlighted the upcoming YEA Job Fair 2025 as a critical component of the agency’s strategy to connect job seekers with potential employers and provide avenues for skills development and career advancement.
