Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has lauded Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for what he describes as a remarkable turnaround in Ghana’s economic trajectory within just a few months of the new administration.

Speaking during a panel discussion on GHOne TV on May 21, 2025, Ayariga credited the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for initiating tangible economic recovery efforts after what he termed a period of significant hardship under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

“The current Minister of Finance has achieved more in four months, in terms of economic management, than the previous government,” Ayariga asserted, emphasizing the swift policy responses and interventions spearheaded by Dr. Forson.

He strongly criticized the NPP’s tenure, blaming the former government for worsening economic conditions through what he called ill-conceived policies and unfulfilled promises. Among the measures he cited were the E-Levy, the betting tax, and other tax policies that, according to him, disproportionately affected the youth.

Ayariga went further to call on the NPP to apologize to young Ghanaians for failing to deliver jobs and for imposing harsh economic measures.

“The NPP should apologise to the youth for burdening us with the e-levy, betting tax, and other painful policies,” he said.

He cautioned Ghanaians against considering a return of the NPP to power, stating that their recent apology regarding the economic crisis lacks sincerity and credibility.

Ayariga reaffirmed his belief in the NDC’s leadership, stating that President John Mahama and Finance Minister Ato Forson are making sincere and significant efforts to restore the country's economic stability.