Accra: Mr Prosper Hoetu, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Homeownership Fund, has highlighted the significant provisions introduced by the new National Youth Authority (NYA) Act, 2016 (Act 939) aimed at advancing youth development in Ghana. The Act, established during President John Dramani Mahama's tenure, replaces the outdated NRCD 241 of 1974 and introduces several key changes to enhance youth involvement and support.
According to Ghana News Agency, the new legislation notably increases youth representation on the NYA Board from one to three members. This change is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the voices of young people are more prominently heard in decision-making processes related to their development. Mr Hoetu discussed these changes while facilitating a training session for members of the Regional and District Youth Committees.
The Act also mandates the formation of Regional and District Youth Committees, tasked with coordinating youth development initiatives through a decentralized approach. This structure aims to bring decision-making closer to the communities, ensuring that youth development programs are more effectively tailored to local needs.
A significant provision of the Act is the allocation of five percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund to the NYA for youth development programs. This funding mechanism addresses one of the longstanding challenges in youth development-adequate financial resources.
However, Mr Hoetu noted that for the past eight years, the Regional and District Youth Committees have not been constituted, which has impeded the full implementation of the Act's provisions. He expressed optimism that the new leadership of the NYA and its Board will make concerted efforts to realize the vision set forth by the President, thereby advancing the cause of youth development in Ghana.
