The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has dismissed media reports alleging that about 300 of its personnel have gone unpaid for the past ten months.
The agency’s response follows complaints from some former and current staff across the country, who claimed they were owed salaries dating back nearly a year with some reportedly suffering mental health challenges, including attempted suicides, as a result.
In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Suadique Musah, the YEA clarified that all verified employees on its approved payroll have been duly paid from February to September 2025.
According to the statement, the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Malik Basintale, who assumed office in February 2025, has been operating with the payroll structure approved by the YEA Board, ensuring that no legitimate employee has been excluded from payment.
The YEA further explained that earlier this year, it conducted a nationwide staff audit to strengthen payroll integrity and protect public funds. Employees who completed the audit successfully have continued to receive their salaries, while those whose contracts expired before the CEO’s appointment were required to reapply.
“Staff whose contracts were renewed have since been reinstated on the payroll,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to staff welfare, the Agency said it remains concerned about reports of youth hardship but denied any deliberate neglect or failure to fulfil its obligations.
Management also reiterated its dedication to transparency, accountability, and the Agency’s broader mandate of creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people across the country.
