A coalition of youth leaders under the Northern Regional Youth Network has petitioned the President of Ghana over what they describe as a worrying decline in government funding for critical youth development agencies — the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
The petition, formally presented on Saturday, November 8, 2025, to Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, Northern Regional Economic Planning Officer, at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC), was received on behalf of the Regional Minister.
Leading the youth delegation, Mr. Shamsudeen, the Network’s leader, expressed deep concern over the “steady starvation” of state institutions mandated to create opportunities and empowerment programs for Ghana’s youth.
Quoting the National Youth Authority Act 2016 (Act 939) and the Youth Employment Agency Act 2015 (Act 887), the petition reminded government of statutory provisions that require 5% and 10% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to be allocated to the NYA and YEA, respectively.
However, the group cited data showing that funding has fallen drastically — with the NYA’s allocation dropping from GHS 85 million in 2018 to only GHS 5 million in the first half of 2025. According to the petitioners, this decline has crippled youth-focused projects, skills development programs, and employment support schemes across the country.
“We are calling for the immediate restoration of full funding to the NYA and YEA, transparency in financial disbursements, and greater youth inclusion in national budgeting and policy formulation,” the petition stated.
Receiving the petition, Alhaji Inusah commended the Network for adopting a peaceful and constructive approach in voicing their concerns. He assured them that the petition would be relayed to the Regional Minister and eventually to the Office of the President for necessary action.
He reiterated government’s commitment to youth empowerment and urged continued dialogue between policymakers and young people to sustain progress in development initiatives.
The petition, the youth noted, represents a collective demand for fairness, accountability, and renewed investment in the country’s human capital.
This report is based on an official statement released by the Northern Regional Coordinating Council on its verified Facebook page.
By: Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow//ZaaGhana.com News Desk | November 9, 2025
