NYA calls for stronger parliamentary collaboration to accelerate youth development

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, Esq, 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 presentation formed part of the Committee’s working visit to the Authority’s head office and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, parliamentary oversight, and strategic partnerships in delivering meaningful outcomes for young people.

The Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, said the visit was intended to assess the operations and challenges of agencies under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment.

He acknowledged the difficulties facing the Authority and pledged the Committee’s support to strengthen collaboration and improve programme delivery. He also commended the CEO and staff for continuing to work despite limited resources.

The Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, 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, particularly those of the NYA, which relies heavily on the allocation.

He further indicated that inadequate funding had affected the Authority’s target of training 100,000 young people, with fewer than 20,000 trained so far.

Contributing to the discussion, Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre South, encouraged the Authority to strengthen its engagement with youth leaders, traditional authorities and community leaders to promote patriotism, discipline and responsible citizenship among young people.

The CEO also highlighted the Authority’s collaboration with Christian and Islamic religious leaders to intensify efforts to instil these values.

Another Member of Parliament called for stronger collaboration between the NYA and the Parliamentary Committee, urging the Authority to involve MPs in the allocation of slots under the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), given their engagement with constituents and knowledge of local needs.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations and Programmes, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, assured the Committee of the Authority’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate.

He reaffirmed the NYA’s readiness to work closely with Parliament to address challenges and strengthen initiatives aimed at improving the lives and expanding opportunities for young people across Ghana.

AM

Inside Ghana’s Abandoned Engineering Powerhouse: What Went Wrong?