YEA increases beneficiary allowance from GH¢500 to GH¢800 – Basintale

Speaking at the Accountability Series on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, he said the adjustment formed part of measures introduced under his leadership to improve the conditions of beneficiaries while expanding access to employment opportunities.

Basintale also disclosed that the agency had recorded 100,628 beneficiaries as of September 30, 2026, representing 25.7% of its annual target. He said the agency had made significant progress in expanding its recruitment figures since he assumed office.

“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.

He explained that the expansion represented more than an increase in numbers, noting that the programme had created opportunities for young people to earn a livelihood and contribute to national development.

Beyond increasing allowances and recruitment, the YEA has also taken steps to improve employment retention, particularly for beneficiaries deployed to the security services.

Mr Basintale said the agency had secured retention agreements with security agencies to ensure that at least 60% of beneficiaries were absorbed into permanent employment after completing their two-year service.

He said the arrangement was intended to address longstanding concerns about the prospects of beneficiaries after their period of engagement 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 further said the agency had prioritised the timely payment of allowances to reduce delays and provide beneficiaries with more predictable remuneration for their service.

He acknowledged that some challenges remained but maintained that the welfare of beneficiaries continued to be a key priority for the agency.