YEA Refutes Reports of 10-Month Salary Arrears, Calls Claims “Factually Inaccurate”

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has strongly denied media reports suggesting that about 300 of its staff members nationwide have gone unpaid for ten months.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 8, and signed by the Agency’s Director of Communications, Suadique Musah, YEA described the allegations as “factually inaccurate” and provided detailed clarification on the issue.

According to the Agency, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Malik Basintale, who assumed office in February 2025, has ensured that all staff on the approved payroll have received their salaries up to September 2025.

“It is therefore factually inaccurate for any group to allege that the CEO has failed to pay them for ten months when he has been in office for only eight months,” the statement emphasized.

YEA further explained that a comprehensive staff audit was conducted earlier this year to clean up the payroll system and strengthen accountability within the institution.

“This exercise, far from being punitive, was intended to protect the integrity of the Agency and safeguard public funds. All staff who participated in the audit have been paid accordingly and continue to receive their entitlements,” the statement clarified.

The Agency also addressed issues concerning certain employees whose contracts expired prior to the new CEO’s appointment. These individuals, YEA noted, were required to reapply for contract renewal, and those whose renewals were approved have since been reinstated on the payroll.

“Those whose contracts were renewed have been duly placed on the payroll. These cases should not be confused with non-payment of verified staff,” management cautioned.

Reaffirming its commitment to staff welfare and youth empowerment, the Agency assured the public that it remains fully dedicated to its mandate.

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

YEA concluded by reiterating its focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people across the country and urged the public to disregard misleading reports intended to undermine its progress.