Ali Adolf, the Northern Regional Minister-designate, has pledged to tackle the longstanding issue of ‘Kayayei’ by creating sustainable job opportunities in the Northern Region.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, Mr. Adolf acknowledged that the migration of young girls to urban centers like Accra to work as head porters stems from unemployment in their home communities.
He emphasized his commitment to reversing this trend by making the Northern Region more attractive through job creation. “This issue of Kayayei affects all of us. I want them back home and will do everything possible to create an environment that encourages them to stay,” he stated.
Mr. Adolf outlined plans to establish initiatives in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, farming, and other income-generating ventures to support the local economy. He expressed confidence that these efforts would provide meaningful employment and improve living conditions, thereby discouraging migration.
“When there are jobs, no one will have to convince them to return home. They will see the difference and choose to stay,” he added.
This move, according to him, is part of a broader effort to address the socioeconomic challenges driving the ‘Kayayei’ phenomenon.