The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr Osman Ayariga, has called for stronger collaboration with Parliament to accelerate youth development in Ghana, as the Authority briefed the Parliamentary Youth and Sports Committee on its mandate, operations and ongoing programmes.
The presentation formed part of the Committee's working visit to the Authority's head office, which 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 MP for Oforikrom, Mr Michael Kwasi Aidoo, called on the government and the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of funds to the Authority and the Youth Employment Agency.
He noted that delays in releasing the District Assemblies Common Fund were affecting operations, particularly at the Authority, 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, the MP for Afigya Kwabre South, Mrs Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, encouraged the Authority to strengthen 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 Authority and the Parliamentary Committee, urging the Authority to involve MPs in allocating National Apprenticeship Programme slots, 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 Authority's readiness to work closely with Parliament to address challenges and strengthen initiatives aimed at improving the lives and opportunities of young people across Ghana.
