The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has refuted media reports alleging that about 300 of its staff nationwide have gone without salaries for 10 months.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 8, signed by its Communications Director, Suadique Musah, the Agency described the claims as “factually inaccurate” and sought to provide clarity on the matter.

According to the release, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Malik Basintale, assumed office in February 2025 and has ensured that all staff captured on the approved payroll have been paid 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 Agency stressed.

The YEA further explained that a comprehensive staff audit was undertaken earlier this year to clean up the payroll and ensure accountability.

“This exercise, far from being punitive, was 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 noted.

The YEA also clarified that certain staff whose contracts had expired before the new CEO’s appointment were required to reapply for renewal.

“Those whose contracts were renewed have since been placed on the payroll,” management confirmed, urging the public not to confuse such cases with non-payment of legitimate staff.

Reaffirming its commitment to staff welfare and youth empowerment, the Agency expressed concern over reports of hardship and unemployment pressures.

“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 said.

It added that YEA would continue to pursue opportunities to create sustainable employment for young people across the country.