Some youth in Tamale have embarked on a peaceful protest over what they describe as the persistent decline in the financial allocations of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to youth-focused institutions.
The protesters, who are members of the Youth Budget Monitors, a youth network, marched through the principal streets of Tamale holding placards some of which read “0.6% is an insult, not a budget,” “the law says 5% for NYA, 10% for YEA — this is not a request, it is our right,” and “The law is clear. Why is the government confused?”
The group said the DACF was legally mandated under the National Youth Authority (NYA) Act, 2016 (Act 939) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) Act, 2015 (Act 887) to allocate five per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, of the fund to those institutions.
The group argued that the drastic reduction of over 94 per cent for the NYA, coupled with irregular and insufficient funding for the YEA, demonstrated the government’s lack of priority for youth development initiatives, despite steady national revenue growth.
The protest formed part of the Follow the Money Campaign 2.0, which aims at promoting compliance, accountability and transparency in the use of public funds designated for youth development.
Funds allocation
Addressing the media after the protest, the Convenor of the Youth Budget Monitors, Mohammed Shamsudeen Ibrahim, indicated that funds specifically allocated to the NYA had fallen from GHS85 million in 2018 to only GHS5 million in the first two quarters of 2025.
He called on the government to restore the full statutory allocations of five per cent for the NYA and 10 per cent for the YEA, while ensuring transparency through the publication of DACF allocations to youth institutions.
“Our call is simply for fairness and adherence to the law.
The youth deserve their rightful share to build a future of opportunity and equity,” he noted.
He further pledged the youth’s commitment to supporting national efforts toward equitable and sustainable youth financing aimed at empowering young people across the country.
Commendation
The Regional Economic Planning Officer, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, who received the petition on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, commended the youth for their commitment to promoting inclusive development and engaging constructively with authorities.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to address youth concerns and strengthen mechanisms for effective resource allocation and utilisation.
Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
