Ghana’s Youth Employment Agency (YEA), established to equip young people with skills and job opportunities, has come under sharp criticism after revelations that it spends GH₵5.5 million every year on office rent—funds critics say could instead finance training programs, entrepreneurship, and permanent infrastructure.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, YEA’s Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale and Youth and Sports Minister George Opare Addo confirmed the expenditure, attributing it to a handover of the property from the State Housing Company (SHC) to private managers, K&A Developers, in 2023. The managers raised rent from GH₵3.2 million to GH₵5.5 million after renovations and modernization.
In five years, YEA is projected to spend GH₵27.5 million on rent, and in ten years, a staggering GH₵55 million. Critics argue that such funds could construct a permanent headquarters and regional offices across the country, strengthening youth support initiatives instead of financing rent receipts.
Minister Opare Addo told lawmakers that “discussions are ongoing with the Office of the Chief of Staff to secure permanent accommodation,” promising to report back “in due time.” But many observers dismissed the assurance as political rhetoric, noting that similar promises had been made by successive administrations without tangible results.
“This is not about party politics. Millions of cedis meant for the empowerment of young people are being funneled into rent instead of building permanence,” said social commentator Kay Codjoe. “The youth deserve better. Vision does not rent; it builds.”
The controversy has fueled public frustration, particularly as youth unemployment remains one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges. Critics insist YEA has the audited accounts and steady funding to secure financing for permanent facilities, rather than continuing with a rent arrangement that drains resources year after year.
The agency has yet to announce a definitive timeline for breaking ground on a permanent office.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
Suomi 
English 