The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised serious concerns over a funding crisis facing the National Youth Authority (NYA), following the absence of allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in the 2026 financial year.

Addressing a press conference, the Minority, led by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, described the situation as a “fundamental policy failure” that contradicts Ghana’s legal and policy framework on youth development.

According to the caucus, the exclusion of the NYA from DACF allocations is particularly troubling given that the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 identifies the fund as a primary source of financing for the Authority’s operations.

They noted that in previous years, the NYA received substantial DACF support, with allocations ranging from ₵85.7 million in 2018 to about ₵37 million in 2025. However, the complete absence of funding in 2026 threatens the Authority’s ability to implement critical youth empowerment programmes across the country.

The Minority further disclosed that although the NYA had an approved budget of ₵180 million, only ₵30 million was earmarked for administrative expenses—funding that is now uncertain due to the DACF impasse.

The caucus also highlighted that the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has similarly received no allocation, compounding the challenges facing youth-focused institutions.

“This development will severely affect training programmes, skills development initiatives, and employment opportunities for young people across Ghana,” the caucus stated.

They called for an immediate review of the DACF formula to include dedicated, ring-fenced allocations for both the NYA and YEA. Additionally, the Minority urged stronger policy coordination at the highest level of government, including possible presidential intervention, to resolve the crisis.

The caucus warned that failure to address the funding gap could undermine national efforts to tackle youth unemployment and hinder long-term socio-economic development.