Zebilla NDC Youth Lock Up YEA Office Over Disputed Appointment of District Director

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) office in Zebilla, Upper East Region, was forcibly locked up on Tuesday by aggrieved youth aligned with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The protest stems from what the group describes as a controversial and politically biased appointment of a new District Director.

According to the angry youth, the appointment bypassed due process and failed to consider the input of key stakeholders in the area. They accuse the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating a partisan takeover of public institutions by placing loyalists in strategic positions without merit-based considerations.

“We will not allow this form of political hijacking to continue. The office will remain shut until the appointment is reversed,” one of the protest leaders declared.

The demonstrators further threatened to escalate their actions if the national leadership of YEA and the government fail to engage with local party executives and community leaders over the matter.

Background:
The dispute reportedly arose after the outgoing director, who had earned wide support across the political divide, was replaced without prior consultation. The youth argue that the new appointee lacks the grassroots experience and credibility needed to lead YEA’s activities in the district effectively.

Meanwhile, security forces have been deployed to the scene to maintain order, though no violent confrontations have been reported so far.

YEA Responds
In a brief statement, a spokesperson for YEA acknowledged the incident and urged calm, stating that the agency is investigating the situation and will take appropriate steps to resolve the tension.

Political Tensions Rising
This incident adds to a growing list of political clashes at the district level over public sector appointments. Analysts say such actions reflect deeper frustrations among party foot soldiers who feel sidelined in national decision-making processes.

As of now, the Zebilla YEA office remains closed, with no official word on when operations will resume.