Parliamentary Committee Identifies Funding Challenges at NYA, Pledges Support

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has briefed the Parliamentary Youth and Sports Committee on the Authority’s mandate, operations, programmes and ongoing efforts to advance youth development in Ghana. The briefing formed part of the Committee’s working visit to the NYA Head Office to assess the operations and challenges of agencies under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. The Committee Chairman and MP for Ashaiman, Hon. Ernest Henry Norgbey, acknowledged the challenges confronting the Authority, pledged the Committee’s support to strengthen collaboration and improve programme delivery, and commended the CEO and staff for their continued efforts despite limited resources.

The Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Oforikrom, Hon. Michael Kwasi Aidoo, called on the government and the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of funds to the NYA and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). He noted that delays in releasing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) were affecting operations and hindering the NYA’s target of training 100,000 young people, with fewer than 20,000 trained so far. Meanwhile, Hon. Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, MP for Afigya Kwabre South, encouraged the Authority to strengthen engagement with youth leaders, traditional authorities and community leaders to promote patriotism, discipline and responsible citizenship. The CEO highlighted the NYA’s collaboration with Christian and Islamic religious leaders to advance these values, while another Member of Parliament called for greater involvement of MPs in allocating National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) slots to ensure that local needs are considered.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NYA, in charge of Operations and Programmes, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate and working closely with Parliament to address existing challenges. The visit underscored the importance of adequate funding, effective collaboration and strategic partnerships in strengthening youth development programmes and expanding opportunities for young people across Ghana.