Throughout the world today, the youth are recognized as one of the most important human capital. Efforts at enhancing the overall development of young people are therefore considered an important part of our national development agenda.
The National Youth Authority (NYA) was established in 1974 by NRDC 241. It is thus, a Statutory Public Organization with the mandate to co-ordinate and facilitates youth empowerment activities in Ghana to ensure development of the Ghanaian the youth as a whole.
The Authority was formerly known as “the National Youth Council (NYC).” In 1981, by an administrative directive, the Council was transformed into a “Commission” status as “the National Youth Organizing Commission” with the focus to organize a mass national youth movement called the “Democratic Youth League of Ghana (DYLG).”
With the inception of constitutional rule in 1992, the Commission status reverted to the “Council” once more. In consequence of a statute law revision exercise under the laws of Ghana (Revised Edition) Act, 1998 (Act 562), the nomenclature of the Authority was changed to the current, “National Youth Authority”.
In 2016, the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana passed the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939) which received Presidential accent on 30th December, 2016.
The objects of the Authority are - Ref: NYA Act, 2016 (Act 939) (2) to:
1. Develop the creative potential of the youth;
2. Develop a dynamic and disciplined youth imbued with a spirit of nationalism, patriotism and a sense of propriety and civic responsibility; and
3. Ensure the effective participation of the youth in the development of the country.
Functions
The core functions of the National Youth Authority are - Ref: NYA Act, 2016 (Act 939) (3) to:
Formulate policies and implement programmes that will promote in the youth
1. A sense of creativity, self-reliance, leadership, loyalty to the country, discipline and civic responsibility; and
2. A sense of friendship and cooperation through exchange of ideas with recognized youth organizations in other countries in Africa and the world;
3. Develop the capacity of the youth to participate in decision-making at all levels;
4. Establish and supervise youth leadership and skills training institutes; and
In collaboration with the Ghana Youth Federation, organize annual youth conferences at the national, regional and district levels
To ensure the above objects and functions are well-coordinated, the National Youth Authority and the supervising sector Ministry has formulated a reviewable National Youth Policy. A first was in 1999, and a revised one launched in August 2010.
Action Plans are evolved as a compendium to give practical impetus to implementation of the National Youth Policy. The maiden of such plans: National Youth Implementation Plan 2014 – 2017, was launched in January 2015.It provided wider frameworks, targets, indicators and evaluation mechanisms among others in the implementation of the articles and tenets of the policy priority concerns.
The National Youth Authority is headed by a Chief Executive Officer who reports to a Governing Board and the Minister responsible for Youth Affairs.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is assisted by Two (2) Deputy Chief Executive Officers one each responsible for (a) Finance and Administration and (b) Programmes and Operations.
The Deputy CEOs are supported by Directors in the discharge of their respective departmental functions, as well as other operations of the Authority including supervision of staff.
The Authority has Sixteen (16) Regional Youth Secretariats which are managed by Regional Directors, who coordinates and supervises District Youth Coordinators in responsible for youth development work and service delivery in all Districts within the administrative jurisdiction of a respective region.
In addition to the regional and district secretariats, the Authority runs and directs the operations of Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institutes (YLSTI).
The Institutes are managed by Principals with the assistance of Wardens (Vice-Principals) who oversee and supervise Technical instructors and supporting workers and staff.
To be a Statutory Institution of Reference in Youth Development Service.
The National Youth Authority exists to provide an environment for youth participation in the cultural-socio-economic and political development using appropriate technology and highly-motivated professionals.
Broad Objective (Goal)
To ensure effective coordination and collaborations in sustainable youth development service in Ghana.
Objectives
- Advocate, facilitate and ensure the mainstream of youth development issues into national development frameworks, plans and programmes in all sectors
- Garner relevant stakeholder interest and commitment to provide the youth with opportunities for skills training, employment, and market information
- Design appropriate collaboration and partnerships to strengthen the link between education and diversified productivity labour markets
- Coordinate promotion of youth participation and acquisition of universal ethics in electoral democracy and governance.
- Partner and collaborate in reduction of violence and crime among young people
The NYA is guided by the under listed in the performance of its duties:
1.Discipline
2.Teamwork
3. Patriotism
4. Excellence
5. Hard work