The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has denied receiving GH¢9 million in connection with a purported turkey berries production initiative, despite confirming that the idea was presented to him and received authorization.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Monitored by GhanaPoliticsonline.com, Basintale clarified that while the proposal for the project was pitched and approved in principle, no funds have been disbursed to him or for the initiative.
“I was approached with the idea, and it received authorization, but no money has been given to me,” he stated.
His comments come in the wake of widespread reports alleging that the agency had allocated GH¢9 million to support the cultivation of turkey berries, sparking public debate and concern over the use of public funds.
However, the Youth Employment Agency has firmly rejected the claims, describing them as false and misleading. In an official statement, the agency’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Suadique Musah, said no such programme exists under YEA and no payments of that nature have been made.
“No such programme exists at YEA; no such payment was made,” Musah said, dismissing the allegations.
The agency further urged the public to rely on verified information from credible and official sources, cautioning against the spread of misinformation.
YEA also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that all its programmes and expenditures are properly documented and subject to scrutiny.
It warned that the circulation of unverified claims could erode public trust in state institutions and undermine ongoing efforts to create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
The agency reiterated that its focus remains on implementing genuine initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and addressing youth unemployment across the country.
