‘Mahama redirected me to NYA to help revamp sector’ – Jacob Adongo

Jacob Adongo, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Finance and Administration at the National Youth Authority (NYA), has expressed his appreciation and sense of purpose after being redirected to the NYA by President John Dramani Mahama.

Adongo’s reassignment followed reports that his appointment as Deputy CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) had been revoked, leading to his new role at the NYA.

This decision came after a failed attempt at a handover at the YEA premises, where he was allegedly blocked by unidentified individuals. His initial takeover was met with resistance, with questions raised about the legitimacy of his appointment letter.

In an interview with Channel One News on Tuesday, February 4, Adongo explained that he views his reassignment as a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the sector and creating sustainable opportunities for the youth.

“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,” Adongo stated.

He emphasised that President Mahama’s decision to place him at the NYA underscores the importance of his services in this critical area.

Adongo further explained that his change of role was not about President Mahama giving someone else the job, but rather about fulfilling the needs of the organisation and the youth.

“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,” he added.

Highlighting the significance of the NYA, Adongo pointed out that the authority is responsible for supervising the Youth Employment Agency and providing policy direction for young people.

“The National Youth Authority is the authority that even is supposed to be supervising the Youth Employment Agency because we are a policy organisation. We give policy direction to young people,” he explained.