Revived Workers Brigade key to youth employment solution – Sammy Annan

The New Generation of African Liberators (NGOAL) has proposed the revival of Ghana’s defunct Workers Brigade as part of renewed efforts to address youth unemployment and expand skills development opportunities across the country.

The proposal was unveiled during a commemorative event marking 60 years since the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, held at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Speaking at the programme, Samuel Annan, Deputy Director of Administration at National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Ablekuma North and a Director of NGOAL, said a modernised Workers Brigade could provide a practical response to rising unemployment among young people.

He explained that the original Brigade, established in 1957, played a significant role in equipping young Ghanaians with vocational skills such as agriculture, carpentry, masonry and auto mechanics, while also supporting nationwide community development initiatives.

According to him, although the programme recorded notable successes, it faced financial accountability challenges that contributed to its decline. He stressed that any revival must prioritise transparency, measurable production targets and sustainable funding mechanisms.

“We believe a revived Workers Brigade, with clear annual production benchmarks and strong financial oversight, can help absorb unemployed youth and equip them with relevant skills,” he stated.

Mr. Annan outlined a model that would integrate Brigade farms with out-grower schemes to support local farmers in adopting modern agricultural practices. He noted that oil palm plantations under the initiative could partner rural banks and district assemblies to establish processing facilities to supply soap manufacturers and other industries.

He added that agricultural waste generated from processing plants could be converted into electricity or charcoal briquettes, contributing to renewable energy production and improved environmental management.

Beyond employment creation, NGOAL believes the revived Brigade would instill discipline, patriotism and a renewed sense of national responsibility among participants, reflecting the founding vision of the programme.

The organisation has therefore called on government, private sector actors and development partners to support the initiative, arguing that a transparent and accountable Workers Brigade could become a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation and youth empowerment agenda.