Jacob Adongo, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration at the National Youth Authority (NYA), has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for redirecting him to the NYA, saying the move aligns with efforts to revamp the sector and create sustainable opportunities for the youth.
Adongo’s reassignment comes after initial reports suggested that his appointment as Deputy CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) had been revoked, leading to uncertainties about his position. His attempted takeover at the YEA premises was reportedly met with resistance, as unidentified individuals blocked his entry and questioned the validity of his appointment letter.
A Strategic Reassignment
Speaking in an interview with Channel One News on Tuesday, February 4, Adongo described his new role at NYA as a strategic decision by President Mahama to strengthen youth-focused initiatives.
“I feel that the president, in his wisdom, redirected me to the NYA so I can revamp the sector. I can assist Osman Ayariga (NYA CEO) to make it a vibrant organisation where young people can get very sustainable jobs, with a policy direction that will give young people more sustainable jobs,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that his reassignment was a demotion, emphasizing that it was about placing him where his expertise is most needed.
“All of us, all the employees, work for the president, and anywhere your services are needed, that is where you’ll be deployed. Upon our briefings and discussions, I think that my services are much needed at the National Youth Authority,” Adongo stated.
NYA’s Role in Youth Development
Adongo highlighted the critical role of the NYA in shaping youth policies and overseeing youth-focused agencies like the YEA.
“The National Youth Authority is the authority that is supposed to be supervising the Youth Employment Agency because we are a policy organisation. We give policy direction to young people,” he explained.
With his new role, Adongo pledged to work closely with the NYA leadership to implement policies that will create meaningful employment and skill development opportunities for young people across Ghana.