A group of aggrieved youth from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Zebilla Constituency of the Bawku West District on Monday morning locked up the district office of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to protest what they describe as attempts to reverse a legitimate political appointment.
The protest stems from the alleged interference of party leaders, including Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Ebenezer Ndebilla Alumire, in the appointment of John Akutam Akparibilla as the YEA District Director.
Akparibilla, who currently serves as the NDC Constituency Youth Organizer, was reportedly appointed by the Acting CEO of YEA, Malik Basintale. During the protest, the youth brandished a full-colour copy of his appointment letter and demanded that he be allowed to assume his role without interference.
“John Akutam Akparibilla must remain the youth boss in the district, as done by his appointor Malik Basintale,” the group declared.
Sources within the YEA suggest that Akparibilla’s appointment letter has been returned to the agency’s regional office in Bolgatanga, raising concerns that the appointment may be reversed. The protesting youth warned that any such move could create significant discontent among grassroots members.
“Failure to maintain John Akutam Akparibilla as the district director of youth employment would cause more disaffection to the party in the district,” they cautioned.
MP Responds
In a telephone interview, MP Ebenezer Ndebilla Alumire denied any involvement in attempts to reverse the appointment.
“I have no knowledge about John Akutam Akparibilla’s appointment as the YEA boss and will not oppose it if he has indeed been appointed,” he stated.
The MP also clarified that he holds no personal grudge against Akparibilla, describing him as “one of the guys who campaigned for victory in the district.”
However, he admitted to recommending two other individuals for the position, citing their qualifications, prior experience, and contributions to the NDC’s electoral success in the constituency.
