Scores of youth engaged by the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) converged at a park in Tamale on Monday evening to brood over their five months unpaid allowances. The group who gathered at that ‘odd hour’ discussed the next line of action to be taken if their demands are not met by the government. “For the past five months we have not been paid our allowances and we are suffering…so today we are here purposely to discuss among ourselves the action to take against the government if nothing is done about our salary,” one of the youth told Joy News’ Northern Regional correspondent Mahama Shaibu. He said even though the regional coordinator Mohammed Abbew is aware of their plight, he has done nothing about it, but keep giving them vain promises. The aggrieved employees said they will issue press releases stating their concerns, and possibly organise a demonstration to press home their demand, “and if anything is done we will go on strike”. One week ultimatum was issued to the government to respond to their concerns as "soon as possible". Ibrahim Murtala, a communication officer of NYEP, described the prevailing situation as unfortunate and assured that management of the programme are doing everything possible to pay them. “I do not want to give promises to people, but I am very optimistic that within this week we should be able to pay part of the arrears we owe the beneficiaries.” Story by Isaac Essel/myjoyonline.com/Ghana