Anloga, (V/R), Feb 27, GNA-Developers Net, an orgganisation into youth advocacy and skills development, has strongly condemned recent comments made by Mr. Osman Ayariga, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA).
The group is demanding an immediate retraction of his remarks.
He should also make a firm commitment to impartiality in the Authority’s operations.
Mr. Ayariga, during an interview recently on national television stated: “My first preference is the NDC youth; that, I am not going to lie about…” a statement, which was a reply to issues related to job recruitment for the youth.
In the view of Developers Net, the statement attributed to Mr. Ayariga suggested that he would consider members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for job opportunities at the detriment of the general Ghanaian youth.
The comment sparked widespread criticism for an apparent bias in employment opportunities within the National Youth Authority.
In an official statement released by the organisation on Thursday, February 27, 2025, made available to Ghana News Agency, Developers Net has described the statement as “discriminatory and biased.”
Mr. Ayariga, during an interview recently on national television stated: “My first preference is the NDC youth; that, I am not going to lie about…” a statement, which was a reply to issues related to job recruitment for the youth.
In the view of Developers Net, the statement attributed to Mr. Ayariga suggested that he would consider members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for job opportunities at the detriment of the general Ghanaian youth.
The comment sparked widespread criticism for an apparent bias in employment opportunities within the National Youth Authority.
Developers Net argued that Mr. Ayariga’s comment directly contradicts the fundamental principles of fairness, equality and inclusivity that should govern any public institution responsible for youth development and employment.
The organisation also posited that the NYA, as a state institution, has legal mandates to carry out its duties.
Mr. Yonnah Keleku, founder and project lead for Developers Net, in an exclusive discussion with the Ghana News Agency, reiterated that, said: “It is prudent to note that, the National Youth Authority is a state institution mandated to promote the welfare of all Ghanaian youth irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or background.
“Any attempt to create an undue advantage in favour of a certain political group is not only ethically ignominious but also in direct violation of Ghana’s constitutional principles and legal frameworks that uphold fairness and non-discrimination.”
In the statement, the group emphasised that Mr. Ayariga’s comments breach several legal provisions in Ghana’s laws, including, “Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which ensures that all persons are equal before the law and prohibits favouritism based on political, ethnic, or economic status.
It further referenced Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution, which it noted mandates state officials to exercise discretionary powers fairly and without bias as well as the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment and public service,”
Developers Net is urging Mr. Ayariga to take immediate steps to retract his statement and assure the public that the NYA will operate in a non-partisan manner, and to ensured that the Authority remains committed to policies and programs that provide equal opportunities for all Ghanaian youth.
The organisation also urged President John Dramani Mahama to direct all public officials to refrain from divisive language and actions that could alienate portions of the youth population and to ensure that all youth-related state agencies remain politically neutral and serve all citizens equally.
“The Ghanaian youth deserve institutions that prioritize their welfare, free from political bias and discrimination,” the statement emphasised.
Developers Net reaffirmed its commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that all Ghanaian youth have equal access to opportunities.
“We will continue to push for fairness, inclusivity, and justice in our national policies and institutions,” the group said.
