By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has raised concerns over the sharp rise in rent expenditure by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), following revelations in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.
According to the report, YEA paid Gh¢5.5 million in rent in 2024, a significant jump from Gh¢3.2 million in 2023, representing a 72.5% increase.
Management explained that the Ministry of Works and Housing engaged K&A Company Limited as the facility manager, but PAC noted that YEA made payments directly to the company rather than through the Ministry. Committee members also flagged irregularities in annual service charges.
Appearing before the Committee, YEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Malik Basintale, acknowledged the concerns and assured compliance with the Auditor-General’s recommendations. He further disclosed that the agency is exploring options to secure a permanent office facility to avoid future rent expenses.
“The Gh¢5.5 million we paid as rent to K&A could have gone into creating jobs for the youth. We are determined to resolve this challenge once and for all,” Mr Basintale stated.
PAC has directed YEA to work closely with the Ministry of Works and Housing to regularise its tenancy arrangements and prevent further financial irregularities.
