Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has vowed to prioritize the needs of the youth if given the nod come December 7.
Addressing party enthusiasts at the launch of the NDC youth manifesto, the former president said the next NDC government will ensure that no Ghanaian youth will be left behind.
“Our commitment to the youth goes beyond digital empowerment. The NDC Youth Manifesto outlines several key initiatives, including increased access to quality education from the basic and second-cycle to tertiary levels, affordable healthcare, and job creation programmes.
“We will create an enabling environment for young people to thrive and lay a foundation for prosperous Ghanaians not just a few. We will create the jobs that you, young people have been waiting for and when these jobs are created none of you will be left out,” he said during the campaign launch at UPSA on Tuesday, August 12.
He insists the next NDC government is poised for the creation of jobs and strategies to support firms to run more shift systems to increase opportunities for the youth.
Expressing disappointment in the current Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration, the NDC Flagbearer promised to recover money allegedly stolen by NPP appointees.
“Mismanagement of our economy, pervasive corruption, nepotism, and poor governance under the current administration have combined to negatively impact the youth.
“Many young people are eager and ready to work but struggle to find employment. The rising unemployment rate, currently at a staggering 14.7%, was worsened by the banking sector cleanup, which led to widespread job losses, especially among banking and finance professionals.
“Other statistics that show the dire situation of Ghanaian youth are the 21.7% youth unemployment rate, the 8 million Ghanaians who went a day without food—many of the young people—and the 1.9 million youth who are not employed, educated or trained,” he said.
To address these issues, Mr Mahama proposed a sustainable vision to reset Ghana by introducing and aggressively implementing the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
He stressed that a 24-hour economy will enable one job to be shared across three shifts and employ three persons, providing job opportunities for three workers instead of one.
According to him, this policy, which aims to drive economic growth, improve service delivery, and create jobs in both the public and private sectors, will prioritise the needs of the youth.
For the policy to thrive, the NDC promised to invest in security and public safety measures, including recruiting additional personnel and enhancing street lighting to promote night economic activity.
The former President further revealed that a dedicated ministry, Ministry of Youth Development will be established to facilitate job creation.
The ministry will promote entrepreneurship, provide scholarships, and enhance youth participation in decision-making.
Additionally, a women’s development bank will be set up to ensure gender equality by providing funds to one million women nationwide.
The NDC youth manifesto document, titled ‘The Pledge’, gives clear strategies of how the NDC intends to cushion the youth.
The launch coincides with International Youth Day, a day designated by the United Nations that takes place on August 12.
The day is set aside to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding the youth.
The theme of International Youth Day this year is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.’
Story By Gloria KAFUI Ahiable / Info@Theghanareport.Com
