Amman:The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, Esq, has briefed the Parliamentary Youth and Sports Committee on the NYA's mandate, operations, programs, and efforts to advance youth development in Ghana. This presentation was part of the Committee's visit to the Authority's head office, emphasizing the need for collaboration, parliamentary oversight, and strategic partnerships to achieve significant outcomes for young people.
According to Ghana Web, the Chairman of the Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, stated that the visit aimed to assess the operations and challenges faced by agencies under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. He acknowledged the difficulties encountered by the Authority and promised the Committee's support to enhance collaboration and improve program delivery, commending the CEO and staff for their continued efforts despite limited resources.
Michael Kwasi Aidoo, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, urged the government and the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely fund releases to the NYA and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). He pointed out that delays in releasing the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) significantly impacted operations, especially for the NYA, which heavily depends on this allocation. Due to inadequate funding, the Authority has trained fewer than 20,000 young people, falling short of its target of 100,000.
Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre South, encouraged the Authority to boost its engagement with youth leaders, traditional authorities, and community leaders to foster patriotism, discipline, and responsible citizenship among the youth. The CEO noted the Authority's collaboration with Christian and Islamic religious leaders to reinforce these values.
Additionally, a Member of Parliament advocated for stronger collaboration between the NYA and the Parliamentary Committee, suggesting that the Authority involve MPs in the allocation of slots under the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), leveraging their local insights and constituent engagement.
Alhaji Inusah Mahama, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations and Programmes, assured the Committee of the Authority's commitment to fulfilling its mandate. He reaffirmed the NYA's readiness to work closely with Parliament to tackle challenges and enhance initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young people throughout Ghana.