Osman Ayariga seeks parliamentary support to address NYA funding gaps

Osman Ayariga, the CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), has called for enhanced collaboration with the Parliamentary Youth and Sports Committee to overcome significant budget and operational hurdles. Speaking during a presentation to the committee on October 8, 2026, Ayariga emphasized that a closer working relationship with Parliament is essential to accelerate youth development initiatives across Ghana. The meeting served as a platform for the Authority to outline its current progress while highlighting the systemic challenges that hinder its full potential.

Members of the committee acknowledged the critical role of the NYA but noted that delayed funding has severely impacted the organization’s ability to meet its training targets and operational goals. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, specifically commended Ayariga and his management team for their resilience. He remarked that the Authority has managed to deliver commendable results despite working with a "meagre budget," reflecting a high level of administrative efficiency under difficult financial circumstances.

In response to the committee’s observations, Ayariga assured the legislators of the NYA's unwavering commitment to its mandate. He detailed plans to deepen engagement with local leaders and traditional authorities to instill values of responsible citizenship and positive social values among the youth. By addressing these challenges head-on, the CEO aims to ensure that the Authority’s programs remain impactful and reachable for young people in every district, regardless of current financial limitations.

The visit concluded with a consensus on the necessity for a more robust framework to support the NYA’s funding structure. The committee’s support signals a potential shift toward prioritizing youth-oriented expenditures in future legislative and budget cycles. Moving forward, the collaboration between the NYA and the parliamentary committee is expected to focus on streamlining resource allocation to ensure the Authority can effectively implement its long-term development strategy.