Mr. Jacob Atule Adongo has revealed that his appointment as the Deputy CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), responsible for Finance and Administration, was thwarted by individuals who feared his potential to expose corruption within the agency.
In an exclusive interview on the “Word Community Watch” show on February 4, 2025, Mr. Adongo expressed that many believed his visual impairment made him incapable of fulfilling his duties. He emphasized that “disability is not inability.”
“They underestimated my capacity to deliver,” he stated. “Some were fearful of my reputation as a firebrand and my commitment to addressing the corruption that has plagued the agency. Contracts were awarded without due diligence, and I intended to implement measures to recover misappropriated funds for the benefit of our citizens. They sought to undermine my efforts.”
Despite being pushed out of his role, Mr. Adongo asserted that his brother, Malik Basintale, the CEO of YEA, is equally determined to hold accountable those responsible for the agency’s mismanagement.
“I want to remind them that this is not the end. Malik Basintale is a force to be reckoned with; he does not tolerate wrongdoing and will ensure that anyone who has stolen state funds is brought to justice,” he cautioned.
Additionally, Mr. Adongo assured the youth of Ghana that in his new role at the National Youth Authority, he will advocate for decent employment opportunities. His focus will be on policies that prevent employers from taking advantage of young workers by offering unsustainable or poorly paid jobs.
Mr. Mark Atiah Akuribire Ismail, President of the Ghana Federation of Disabilities Organisation for the Upper East Region, lamented Mr. Adongo’s dismissal as Deputy CEO, attributing it to discrimination due to his disability. He questioned the wisdom of the president in appointing someone only to allow them to be treated unjustly.
Mr. Atiah expressed concerns that Mr. Adongo’s new position at the National Youth Authority may limit his impact, as the Authority lacks the activities and programs that YEA traditionally offers to support the youth. He urged President John Dramani Mahama to have been more steadfast in his initial appointment of Mr. Adongo.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Ayuureneeya