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In a significant milestone toward youth empowerment and employment creation in Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has successfully overseen the graduation of over 200 young Ghanaians trained in hospitality service skills. This achievement marks the culmination of a strategic partnership between YEA and Guinness Ghana, a leading beverage company committed to supporting sustainable development.
The graduation ceremony, held in Accra, was the result of a months-long initiative aimed at equipping Ghanaian youth with industry-relevant skills in hospitality and customer service, enhancing their employability in a competitive job market. The partnership, lobbied and facilitated by Mr. Basintale, underscores a growing trend of public-private collaborations designed to address the country’s pressing unemployment challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, Malik Basintale expressed his profound pride in the graduating cohort and emphasized the transformative power of skills-based training.“Today, we are not just graduating over 200 young people—we are igniting hope, empowering dreams, and building a more resilient workforce for Ghana’s hospitality and tourism sectors,” he stated. “Through this partnership with Guinness Ghana, we are proving that when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision, the impact is truly life-changing.”
The training program, which included modules on customer relations, food and beverage service, front desk operations, hygiene and safety, and soft skills development, was tailored to meet the current needs of the hospitality industry. Graduates received hands-on experience, mentorship, and certification, with many already securing job placements or internship opportunities.
Managing Director of Guinness Ghana, Helene Weesie, also lauded the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in Ghanaian youth.“This partnership with YEA aligns with our sustainability agenda and our belief in ‘People as the Heart of Progress.’ We are proud to support these young people who now have the tools to succeed and uplift their communities.”
The initiative has been widely praised by industry stakeholders, policy analysts, and beneficiaries alike, who see it as a model that should be replicated across other sectors. Several participants shared emotional testimonies, highlighting how the program has changed their career trajectories and given them a renewed sense of purpose.
This development adds to a growing list of initiatives spearheaded by Malik Basintale since assuming leadership of the YEA. Under his tenure, the agency has expanded its reach, forming key alliances with corporate giants and focusing on strategic training programs that target emerging sectors.
With Ghana’s unemployment rate among the youth remaining a national concern, efforts like this provide not just temporary relief, but a sustainable path toward long-term economic development.
About YEA
The Youth Employment Agency is a government institution mandated to coordinate and facilitate employment opportunities for the youth of Ghana. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, YEA aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
About Guinness Ghana
Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC is a subsidiary of Diageo and a leader in the Ghanaian beverage industry. The company is known for its long-standing commitment to sustainability, responsible drinking, and community development initiatives.
