The bussing of youths including teens to support former COCOBOD CEO Dr Stephen Opuni who is standing trial has been condemned.

The National Youth Authority (NYA), a state institution charged with developing youth potential described the bussing as "belittling, abusive and disgusting"

"While youth play important roles in political activism, we must draw the line on what is acceptable, tolerable and downright reprehensible", a statement signed by NYA CEO Emmanuel Asigri read.

Joy News captured scenes of youth singing and dancing on the first day of the trial of Dr Stephen Opuni who faces 27 criminal charges including causing financial loss to the state.

The youth maintained they were bussed to the Accra High Court by some NDC executives, a claim the National Organiser Kofi Adams has denied.

The NYA statement also refrained from mentioning NDC but was nonetheless critical of using "youthful potential as political pawns".

It said at a time when the concern of 16.5 million Ghanaians under 35 years are discussing jobs, some have been used to further a partisan agenda in a case that is following due process.

 

”‹PRESS RELEASE

NYA expresses disgust at bussing of youths to support Opuni trial

The National Youth Authority expresses deep disappointment over the bussing of youths including teens to the Accra High Court ostensibly to show support in the trial of the former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni.

While youth play important roles in political activism, we must draw the line on what is acceptable, tolerable and downright reprehensible.

Using youthful potential as political pawns is belittling, abusive and disgusting.

Within youth circles, the great care and concern over the years have been about jobs and entrepreneurship.

It is about how to engage the youth to apply productive polish to potential.

Several engagements have been ongoing and some 3,000 youths with a basic understanding of digital media have been selected for a 12-week NYA training and an ECOBANK job.

And so it beats our imagination that while the NYA is selecting youths for jobs, some operatives are selecting them to jump and dance at a trial that is following due process.

We condemn it and urge development-based youth groups raise their voices at the exploitation of their demographic constituency by self-centred political actors.

This display of teens on TV for 10 cedis is an insult to each of the 16.5million Ghanaians who are under 35 years and constitute the focus of the NYA.

 The NYA has not refrained from condemning acts of hooliganism carried out of youths in the country.

Wrong is wrong and until we begin the cherish right and remain united in pointing it out irrespective of our political persuasions, we risk sacrificing the interest of Ghana.

 

SIGNED

Chief Executive, National Youth Authority

Emmanuel Sin-nyet Asigri