By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has offered 200 slots to members of the Ga Youth Forum under the newly launched “Waste to Wealth” initiative to help them acquire practical skills and expertise.
“We will offer the Ga Youth Forum 200 slots in our newly launched initiative, ‘Waste to Wealth,’ by training and equipping them with the necessary skills and expertise,” he announced.
Speaking at the launch of the Ga Youth Forum on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Mr. Basintale explained that the programme aims to empower young people by training them in waste management and providing entrepreneurial skills to convert waste , specifically agricultural husks, into charcoal.
According to him, success is not limited to traditional professions such as law or medicine. “Not everyone has to be a lawyer or a doctor. You can achieve anything you set your mind to,” he said, even hinting at opportunities in housekeeping.
The event, themed “Facing the Future: The Power of You,” was attended by several dignitaries, including the Group Chairman of McDan Group of Companies, Dr. Daniel McKorley, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Nii Kpakpo Allotey, and the Head of Innovative Finance, Partnerships and Markets in charge of the 24-hour economy at the Office of the President, Dr. Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo.
As part of the initiative, the YEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zacoal Company Limited under the Waste to Wealth Project, through which an initial 2,000 young people will be trained in sustainable charcoal production. The project focuses on transforming coconut husks, corn cobs, rice husks, and other agricultural waste into biochar, a clean, eco-friendly, and pollution-free alternative to traditional charcoal.
The initiative goes beyond job creation, it seeks to empower youth, protect the environment, and turn waste into opportunity.
