YEA Refutes Claims of 10-Month Salary Arrears, Clarifies Staff Payment Status

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has dismissed media reports suggesting that about 300 of its staff nationwide have gone unpaid for ten months, describing the allegations as “factually inaccurate” and misleading.

In a statement signed by Suadique Musah, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Agency clarified that its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Malik Basintale, only assumed office in February 2025, making it impossible for him to have owed any staff salaries for ten months.

According to the statement, upon taking office, Mr. Basintale inherited an existing payroll, which was presented to and approved by the YEA Board. Since then, all verified staff members captured on the official payroll have been paid consistently up to September 2025.

“No individual whose name was duly verified and approved has been left out of the payroll,” the statement stressed.

The Agency explained that earlier this year, management carried out a comprehensive staff audit to ensure that only legitimate employees were maintained on the payroll — a move aimed at safeguarding public funds and enhancing transparency.

YEA also noted that some staff members whose contracts had expired before the CEO’s assumption of office were asked to reapply for renewal through their respective directors. Those whose contracts were renewed, the statement added, have since been reinstated and are receiving their salaries.

Reaffirming its dedication to staff welfare and youth empowerment, YEA expressed concern over reports of hardship and suicide attempts among unemployed Ghanaian youth, reiterating its commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities across the country.

“At no point has the Agency deliberately neglected its verified staff or failed in its obligation to pay those legitimately captured on its payroll,” YEA emphasized.

The Agency assured the public and stakeholders of its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of staff interests, while remaining focused on its core mandate of job creation for Ghanaian youth.