The Ministry of Youth Affairs has suspended the Youth Envoy, Yulisa Ahmadu for six months following allegations of misconduct and institutional misrepresentation.
A letter from the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman, dated January 6, 2025, stated that the suspension would run from January 6 to July 6, 2025, while an investigation is conducted.
“This action is being taken due to alleged misconduct and institutional misrepresentation carried out by you as the Youth Envoy representing this Ministry,” the letter read. “This is inimical to the image of the Ministry and a lack of professionalism on your part as an appointee of His Excellency the President.”
According to the Ministry, the allegations include the solicitation of money from young people under false pretenses.
The Minister noted that the Youth Envoy had admitted in his presence to collecting cash from youths to facilitate overseas travel, which never materialized.
“Such an act contravenes your mandate, which is to serve as a representative and advocate for the voices and interests of the youth,” Orman stated.
The Minister also cited Rule 15.51-#13 of the Civic Service Code and Rules, which classifies soliciting or accepting gifts or bribes in connection with official duties as major misconduct.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Ministry has directed the Youth Envoy to surrender his diplomatic passport within 24 hours to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs.
The suspension could be extended based on the findings of the investigation, or the Ministry may recommend to President Julius Maada Bio that the Youth Envoy’s appointment be revoked.
The Ministry has copied the letter to key government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Secretary to the President, and the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs.
No official response has been made public by the Youth Envoy regarding the allegations.
