The Minority Caucus in Parliament has launched a scathing indictment of the Mahama administration’s handling of youth development, labeling the current financial state of the National Youth Authority (NYA) a “betrayal.”
Addressing a press conference, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, the MP for Old Taco, speaking on behalf of the Minority Caucus, highlighted a critical funding gap that threatens to cripple the state’s primary youth vehicle. Despite the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939) mandating support via the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), the NYA has reportedly received zero allocation from the fund for the 2026 financial year.
The MP argued that while the government touts a GH₵180 million budget for the NYA, the figures are misleading.
According to him, GH₵150 million is strictly ring-fenced for the National Apprenticeship Programme.
He lamented that only GH₵30 million remains for the Authority’s nationwide operational needs.
This he noted occurs while the total DACF envelope grew from GH₵7.51 billion in 2025 to GH₵8.77 billion in 2026.
“A programme without a functioning institution is nothing more than an announcement,” Assafuah stated, pointing out that while the youth are sidelined, the government has found GH₵131 million for DACF administrative operations and GH₵10 million for road improvement projects.
He asserted that the statutory 5 percent of the DACF meant for youth development has seemingly vanished from the 2026 books.
The consequences, according to Assafuah, are visible across the country: incomplete youth centres, under-resourced district offices, and stalled training programmes.
“Ghana cannot build a prosperous future while neglecting its youth. A government cannot claim to support young people while steadily withdrawing the very resources needed to empower them.”
Demands for Immediate Redress
The Minority Caucus demanded five urgent interventions:
* Immediate restoration of NYA funding from the DACF.
* Full release of all outstanding operational funds.
* Enhanced transparency in public financial management.
* Rigorous parliamentary oversight to ensure Act 939 is respected.
* A genuine prioritisation of youth investment over administrative spending.
The MP warned that the Minority would continue to demand accountability, noting that the current trajectory leaves millions of young Ghanaians with “lost opportunities and a growing sense of frustration.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana