Osman Ayariga is the Acting CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA)
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has faced significant criticism on social media following his statement that he would prioritise the needs of young members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when addressing the needs of Ghanaians, before considering those of other citizens.
In an interview with GH One TV, Osman Ayariga, who also serves as the incumbent Deputy National Youth Organizer of the NDC, explained that if two youths, one from the NDC and the other from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with the same qualifications, are seeking a job, he would not choose an NPP supporter over an NDC supporter.
“My first preference is the NDC youth; that, I am not going to lie about,” he stated.
When asked whether this stance was appropriate, he responded, “Yes, it is a good posturing. NDC youth are also Ghanaians, aren’t they? I am saying that my preference is to prioritize NDC youth before considering other political parties. If an NPP youth and an NDC youth come to me with the same qualifications, of course, I will choose the Ghanaian who is NDC. Given the same qualifications, and I am the CEO, that is my bias.”
He, however, clarified that he is open to working with youth from both the NDC and the opposition NPP.
“Don’t get it wrong, whether NDC or NPP, they are Ghanaian youth first. That is why I said that irrespective of your political affiliation, if you bring a proposal for me to implement, I will make sure I implement it. But if you ask me whether I have the discretion to choose between an NDC and an NPP youth, both equally qualified, then it is within my discretion to decide whom to give the opportunity to.”
His comments have sparked widespread outrage on social media, with critics condemning the remarks and the apparent bias displayed by the NYA boss as unfortunate.
Critics, expressing their dissatisfaction with the comments, argued that the new appointee’s stance sets a troubling precedent for future governments. They also emphasised how his statements reflect the systemic flaws of the country’s winner-takes-all political system.
Some critics suggest that he should be held accountable for his remarks, urging President John Dramani Mahama to revoke his appointment. They believe that his statements could undermine the government’s goodwill among Ghanaians.
However, other critics have strongly defended Osman Ayariga, suggesting that his comments are justified. They argue that the NDC youths he referred to are also Ghanaian citizens who, like others, deserve to have their needs addressed by the state.
They further argued that the NDC youth deserve to be prioritised rightfully, as their efforts significantly contributed to the party’s success in the 2024 elections.
Read some of the comments below:
Where is the lie? Some Ghanaians just hate the truth. Why should an NDC youth vote the NDC into power then when there is an opportunity the NPP youth who did not vote the NDC into power should be considered first? Sounds biased but it is what it is and you hypocrites are acting…
— DeLightBringer Kiko ☀️ (@KSnetne) February 11, 2025
Is NDC youth not Ghanaians?
Oh so y’all expected we employ NPP youth and leave NDC out er
You are not serious.— KOJO DYNAMIC 𓃵 (@AnnanPerry) February 11, 2025
How will you determine that?
Are we going to see the era where one has to show a political party identification card before securing any support?@JDMahama, this is your first test case. How soon is the presidency issuing a communique on this? https://t.co/58Bcx6Fpql
— Zubaida Afua Mabuno Ismail 🌍 (@Dereal_ZAMI) February 11, 2025
Winner takes all political system in full display https://t.co/nZTcC1lQ0I
— CₕᵢₑF👑 (@iamchiiff) February 11, 2025
On National TV? Really?
Daddy, @JDMahama please this man is unfit to do the job. We need an unbiased person who’ll serve the GHANAIAN YOUTH not the NDC youth 🙏 https://t.co/F0YhcRAQa7
— The Akosua Amoabea❤️ (@akosua_amoabea) February 11, 2025
Media training and crisis communication need to be non-negotiables for our government appointees’ orientation. The wrong statement at the wrong time, and your goodwill begins to dissipate. The fact that he sees nothing wrong with this even after being prompted is just 🫠🫠 https://t.co/uduphRzr8C
— Maukeni 💫 (@KeniRibeiro) February 11, 2025
🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ this is wrong regardless of how you look at it. You are there to cater to the Youth. So does one need to add a copy of their political party card for favourable consideration or what? https://t.co/gNrlEvIrcJ
— Salt n Pepper Sugar daddy (@HalimMusah) February 11, 2025
Intelligence is knowing what to say and where to say such.
The President and others are working their asses to score this government its deserving praise, these ones will also be working on the sidelines eroding the goodwill.
Oww!! Awurade😔 https://t.co/vBMuGzD10P
— K. Baffour® (@LouieXiii131) February 11, 2025
The Ghanaian Youth should be the first preference regardless of their party affiliation, sex, ethnic or educational background. This is very disappointing!!! https://t.co/L0FWiNnnIl
— Big Mama😌 (@Lyn_Abla) February 11, 2025
z
MAG/EK
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