In an interview with GH One TV, Osman Ayariga, the incumbent Deputy National Youth Organizer of the NDC, stated that if two young individuals—one from the NDC and the other from the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—with the same qualifications applied for a job, he would prioritize the NDC supporter.
“My first preference is the NDC youth; that, I am not going to lie about,” he affirmed.
When questioned about the appropriateness of this stance, he responded, “Yes, it is a good posturing. NDC youth are also Ghanaians, aren’t they? My priority is to support NDC youth before considering individuals from other political parties. If an NPP youth and an NDC youth come to me with the same qualifications, I will choose the NDC youth first.”
Developers Net condemns the NYA CEO’s position and demands retraction and commitment to fairness.
In a press release signed by Yonnah Keleku
Founder/Project Lead of the group they expressed dissatisfaction about the the CEO’S Comment
Below is the press statement:
PRESS RELEASE
DEVELOPERS NET CONDEMNS NYA CEO’S DISCRIMINATORY REMARKS,
DEMANDS RETRACTION AND COMMITMENT TO FAIRNESS
Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by Mr. Osman Ayariga, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA) during an interview session on GHOne Television a few
days ago when he was responding to youth employment-related matters in which he said; “…My first
preference is the NDC youth; that, I am not going to lie about…,” a statement suggesting that, youth
affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would be given preferential treatment over others
when he is offering jobs to the youth.
Developers Net finds this statement not only discriminatory and biased but also a direct contradiction to
the fundamental principles of fairness, equality, and inclusivity that should guide any institution entrusted
with youth development and job creation in Ghana. We also find it as a deviation from H.E. President John
Dramani Mahama’s goal of youth empowerment and inclusive governance which forms a key factor in his
reelection campaign.
As a body that seeks Skills development, Youth empowerment and policy advocacy, we strongly condemn
these comments from Mr. Osman Ayariga
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 nondiscrimination.
Developers Net wishes to draw Mr. Osman Ayariga’s attention to the legal provisions in Ghana laws that
frown upon such acts of discrimination:
- Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana explicitly states that all persons shall be equal before
the law and therefore bars favouritism on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion,
creed, or social or economic status. - Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution stipulates how State officials should exercise their discretionary powers fairly and sincerely devoid of any discriminatory acts.
- The Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) of Ghana also promotes equal opportunity and fair treatment in
terms of employment and work-related matters, which includes appointments, promotions, and access to opportunities within public institutions.
As a state agency, the NYA is expected to serve all youth fairly, without favouritism. Mr. Ayariga’s
remarks have set a very dangerous precedent that could undermine national unity and discourage youth participation in governance and development initiatives.
Our Call to Action
At Developers Net, we calling on Mr Osman Ayariga to:
- To retract his statement and offer an assurance to the Youth that the NYA shall operate in a nonpartisan manner in seeking their welfare.
- Mr. Ayariga should reassure that He will ensure that the Authority will commit to policies,
programs and initiatives that will provide equal opportunities for all young people, irrespective of political affiliation. - Also, we call on Mr. Ayariga to align the operations of the NYA with the legal and constitutional provisions that promote fairness, equity, and national development.
- Finally, we urge President H.E. John Mahama to direct all appointees to avoid divisive language and actions, to restore hope in young Ghanaians, since many youths are already frustrated by ongoing challenges. We further call on the Presidency and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, to ensure that all public institutions such as the NYA and other youth-related state agencies remain impartial and serve all citizens equally because the Ghanaian Youth deserve institutions that work in their best interests, free from political bias and discrimination. At Developer’s Net, we remain committed to skills development, advocating for fairness, inclusivity, and the empowerment of all Ghanaian youth. We will continue to hold public officials and institutions accountable to the principles of justice and equity as enshrined in our national laws.
Thank You.
Long Live Ghanaian Youth
Long Live Ghana
Yonnah Keleku
(Founder/Project Lead)
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
