The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has called on the government to address funding and procurement challenges that slow the delivery of its employment programmes. The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Malik Basintale, made the appeal at the Government Accountability Series.
Mr Basintale asked for a review of the cap on the Communication Service Tax (CST), the agency’s principal source of funding, and for faster approval of procurement and commitment authorisation. He stated that both issues affect the pace at which the agency implements its interventions.
“We respectfully believe that the possible review of the capping framework, particularly as it affects youth employment financing, would significantly enhance the agency’s capacity to deliver on this mandate.”
Mr Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Agency (YEA)
Mr Basintale disclosed that the capping of the Communication Service Tax is the agency’s major concern. Section 23/B of Act 887 of 2015, the law that governs the agency, provides for 80 percent of CST revenue as a funding source.
Expectation of an Uncapping
He explained that the cap on earmarked funds affects the predictability and adequacy of the resources available to the agency for its programmes.
He acknowledged the broader fiscal considerations behind the arrangement, but asked the government to review the framework, particularly as it affects youth employment financing.
Mr Basintale then turned to the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. He indicated that the Minister himself may declare the outcome in a few weeks, and he stated his certainty that the CST will likely be uncapped.
Procurement and Approval Delays
The agency’s second concern is the procurement and commitment authorisation processes. Mr Basintale acknowledged that they promote transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline, and he affirmed that the agency remains committed to complying with them. He added that they can sometimes delay programme implementation.
“We believe that further administrative streamlining would help expedite approvals without compromising the integrity of our procurement processes.”
Mr Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Agency (YEA)
Mr Basintale commended Dr Forson for releasing funds to the agency. He described this as “a difficult year”, and he stated that the Minister had ensured the agency received its funds on time. He also praised the Minister for prioritising youth employment opportunities under the current government.
New Programme Starts in November
The agency’s call comes as it continues to pursue initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people across the country. Mr Basintale’s concerns highlight the need for adequate and predictable funding, alongside efficient administrative processes, to support the timely implementation of such interventions.
He expressed confidence in the expected review of the CST capping framework and acknowledged the support received from the Ministry of Finance. However, the extent to which the proposed review and administrative streamlining will address the agency’s operational challenges remains to be seen.
He said YEA maintains that improving access to its allocated funds and expediting approvals would strengthen its capacity to deliver on its employment mandate.
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