The CSIR-Building and Road Research Institute (CSIR-BRRI), in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has launched the Youth In Brick Production and Construction Module. This transformative program trains 21,000 Ghanaian youth, equipping them with specialised skills in burnt brick production and construction to boost job creation and support national development.
Speaking at the launch in Kumasi, YEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong, highlighted the program as part of YEA’s broader ambition to tackle youth unemployment through skills development. He emphasised that the initiative is designed not just to create jobs but to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry, where a lack of modern artisanal expertise has often led to reliance on foreign labour.
The eight-week training, which runs from 11th March to 4th May 2024, covers practical, hands-on sessions focusing on factory-mode brick production, construction techniques, and the use of eco-friendly local materials. Trainees also receive a monthly stipend of GHC 500 to support them during the program.
CSIR-BRRI’s role in this collaboration is pivotal. According to Prof. Daniel Ofori, Director of the Forestry Research Institute, CSIR-BRRI leverages its research expertise to introduce innovative, sustainable construction technologies. This includes promoting the use of local materials, which not only supports climate change mitigation efforts but also reduces dependency on imported building resources.
Arc. Dr. Joseph Agyei Danquah, Training Coordinator, expressed confidence that the program unlocks the potential of Ghanaian youth, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the construction industry.
This partnership underscores CSIR-BRRI’s commitment to driving socio-economic development through research, skills training, and the promotion of sustainable construction practices.
