Nana Oye Lithur, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection on Friday disclosed that Government would embark on a project to train 500 Head porters “Kayaye” in Accra.
They would be given skills training in batik and soap making, as well as sewing among others.
Nana Oye Lithur said this when she visited the “Kayaye”, who live and ply their trade at Darkuman, a suburb of Accra.
She urged girls, who were below the age of 15 to desist from getting into the “kayaye” business as it was illegal for people under 15to work.
The Gender Minister disclosed that there are 18,000 ‘kayayes’ scattered across the city and can be found in Darkuman, Agbogbloshie and Malam Atta Markets.
She said Government would soon open service centres at Oforikrom in Kumasi, Agbgbloshie and Malam Atta markets in Accra they could channel their grievances and challenges.
Nana Oye Lithur appealed to head porters to endeavour to join the Kayaye Youth Association of Ghana where they would have one voice to articulate their challenges.
She promised to provide the Darkuman Group with a computer and accessories, a printer and stationary they requested for.
Madam Catherine Finch, a member of the North American Women’s Association, said the Association, which is headquartered in the US and made up of members from 40 countries from across the world was fully aware of the plight of the Kayaye.
She appealed to the girls to take good care of themselves and take every skills development training that would be offered to them seriously.
Ms Gifty Assibi Danwah, Leader, Darkuman Kaya Group, on behalf of the members expressed her appreciation to the Minister for the visit.
She appealed to the Ministry to help girls who had indicated their willingness to travel back to their hometowns to do so.
The girls mentioned theft by “areas boys” and rape as some of their main challenges.
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