Oforikrom MP urges Finance Minister to release funds to NYA, YEA for programmes

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, has appealed to the government and the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of funds to the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to support their programmes.

The Oforikrom MP said delays in releasing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), a major source of funding for the NYA, were affecting the authority’s operations and undermining its target of training 100,000 young people in 2026.

He disclosed that fewer than 20,000 young people had been trained so far, raising concerns about the authority’s ability to meet its annual target without the necessary financial support.

“We are therefore appealing to the government and the Ministry of Finance to turn their attention to the agencies under the Ministry of Youth Development. If the issues of the youth are truly close to their hearts, they should ensure that the necessary funding is made available to these agencies,” Mr. Aidoo said.

He made the appeal when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports visited the NYA headquarters to assess the authority’s operations, programmes and challenges.

Committee assesses NYA operations

During the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, Osman Ayariga Esq., briefed the committee on the authority’s mandate, ongoing programmes and efforts to promote youth development across the country.

He also outlined some of the constraints affecting the implementation of the authority’s activities.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations and Programmes, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, reaffirmed the NYA’s commitment to delivering on its mandate and strengthening collaboration with Parliament to address the challenges confronting the institution.

The committee’s chairman and Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, acknowledged the difficulties facing the authority and commended its chief executive and staff for continuing to carry out their responsibilities despite limited resources.

He pledged the committee’s support in helping to address the issues raised during the engagement.

Azumah Nelson Sports Complex inspected

Mr. Aidoo also disclosed that the committee had inspected the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, where the NYA had undertaken improvements despite financial constraints.

He expressed optimism that the facility would become fully operational by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

The MP stressed the need for adequate and timely funding to enable agencies under the Ministry of Youth Development to implement their programmes effectively and expand opportunities for young people.