Mahama Directed Me to NYA to Assist in Revitalizing the Sector’

Jacob Adongo, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration at the National Youth Authority (NYA), has shared his thoughts and appreciation following his reassignment to the authority by President John Dramani Mahama. Adongo’s transition to the NYA comes after his initial appointment as the Deputy CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) was revoked, amidst controversy surrounding his attempt to take over the position.

Adongo’s appointment to the NYA follows a failed handover attempt at the YEA office, where he was reportedly prevented from assuming his new role by unidentified individuals. This incident raised questions about the legitimacy of his appointment, leading to confusion and resistance surrounding the transition process. Despite these challenges, President Mahama reassigned Adongo to the NYA, a move that Adongo believes aligns with the broader goal of revitalizing the youth sector and creating long-term, sustainable opportunities for young people.

In an interview with Channel One News on Tuesday, February 4, Adongo reflected on his reassignment, describing it as a strategic decision that would enable him to help reinvigorate the youth sector. “I believe that President Mahama, in his wisdom, redirected me to the NYA to assist in revitalizing the sector. My role here is to support Osman Ayariga (CEO of the NYA) in making the authority a vibrant institution that can provide young people with sustainable job opportunities. It’s about ensuring that the policies we develop are focused on long-term solutions for the youth,” he explained.

Adongo stressed that the decision to place him at the NYA was not about replacing someone else, but rather fulfilling the pressing needs of the authority at this critical juncture. He emphasized the importance of the work being done at the NYA and how his skills could help address these needs effectively. “As public servants, we all work for the president, and our role is to serve wherever our expertise is most required. Through discussions and consultations, I’ve come to believe that my services are needed here at the National Youth Authority to help push its agenda forward,” he stated.

Further elaborating on the significance of the NYA’s role, Adongo pointed out that the authority plays a critical role in overseeing and guiding youth development policies in Ghana. He explained that the NYA is responsible not only for setting the direction for youth-focused policies but also for supervising the Youth Employment Agency, which is designed to create employment opportunities for young people. “The National Youth Authority is tasked with developing and implementing policies that support the youth, and it also has a supervisory role over the Youth Employment Agency. We are the ones who provide the policy framework to ensure that young people have access to meaningful opportunities,” Adongo noted.

He also took the opportunity to clarify that his reassignment was not about personal gain or power, but rather about fulfilling a national duty to improve the lives of young people across the country. His perspective reflects a sense of duty and purpose, emphasizing that his work at the NYA would focus on creating an environment where young people could thrive through sustainable employment programs. “The president’s decision is a call to serve, and I am committed to doing my part to ensure that the NYA fulfills its mission of empowering the youth and creating long-term solutions for their future,” Adongo remarked.

Through his reassignment, Adongo has shown a clear sense of purpose and dedication to the NYA’s mission. His move is part of a broader vision for the youth sector in Ghana, one that focuses on creating opportunities for young people to build sustainable careers. By working closely with Osman Ayariga and other key stakeholders at the NYA, Adongo believes that they can make significant strides toward reshaping the landscape of youth employment in the country.

In conclusion, Adongo’s reassignment to the National Youth Authority reflects his commitment to the growth and development of Ghana’s youth sector. His experience and vision are expected to contribute positively to the NYA’s efforts to provide young people with better opportunities for employment and growth. As he embarks on this new chapter, Adongo remains focused on ensuring that the NYA becomes a pivotal force in shaping the future of Ghana’s youth, offering them the tools, resources, and policies needed to succeed.