In a significant development, Canada has pledged $12.6 million to support the expansion of the EMPLOY project in Ghana, a successful initiative aimed at empowering young women through vocational training and employment opportunities.
During his two-day visit to Ghana, Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced the new funding, which will benefit over 20,000 young women as they build careers in well-paying trades such as welding, heavy machinery operation, solar panel installation, and auto mechanics. The EMPLOY project, in partnership with World University Service of Canada (WUSC), has already made a significant impact, supporting dozens of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes to deliver more inclusive programming.
This investment is part of Canada's ongoing efforts to support the people of Ghana, particularly women, girls, and youth, through initiatives such as climate-smart agriculture, healthcare access, job training, and economic empowerment. The government has also pledged $8.4 million to the INVEST project, which helps 5,000 women living in urban areas launch their careers, and $10 million to the SURGE project, which supports small and medium-sized business owners.
During his visit, Secretary Sarai met with Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Matthew Kofi Setor Dumelo, to discuss plans to grow the economy and support development, with a focus on agriculture. He also held bilateral meetings with representatives from the World Bank, EU, and AfDB, as well as peace and security stakeholders, to discuss security challenges in the northern border regions.
The Canadian government's commitment to Ghanaian youth empowerment is rooted in shared values of peace, democracy, and inclusive growth. As Secretary Sarai stated, "Canada and Ghana are working together to reduce poverty, strengthen health and education systems, and build inclusive societies that benefit all of us."
This investment highlights Canada's ongoing efforts to drive economic prosperity, security, and fairness for both Canadians and Africans. The EMPLOY project is a prime example of this commitment, providing young women with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
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