I’ll tackle youth unemployment if I win 2024 elections – Mahama

John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed that youth unemployment will be one of his main concerns should he win the 2024 general elections.

He said the next NDC administration will bring an apprenticeship policy that will tackle unemployment.

He explained that the initiative will be implemented by the local Assemblies, where artisans will be supported to engage and employ young people.

The NDC flagbearer, who is on the “Building Ghana We Want Tour” in the Ashanti Region, addressed the inhabitants of New Edubiase, outlining measures to tackle youth unemployment if elected in 2024.

“For individuals outside the school system, our emphasis is on skill enhancement, enabling them to explore opportunities in hairdressing, seamstressing, and other artisanal crafts. The next NDC government aims to establish a National Apprenticeship Program, with District Assemblies leading the implementation. They will oversee the registration of artisanal business owners and attach the young people with them. Local Assemblies will allocate funding to mentors who will guide these young individuals,” Mr. Mahama promised.

In his interaction with cocoa farmers in New Edubiase, Mr. Mahama said the next NDC will introduce initiatives to help the growth of the cocoa sector.

“The next NDC government will continue previous initiatives to improve the cocoa sector. Additionally, we will provide factories in cocoa-growing areas to ensure we add value to the cocoa beans instead of exporting them in their raw form. This will go a long way to help cocoa farmers, and the factories will also help provide jobs to the youth in these areas,” he stated.

Relatedly, John Mahama has called on the NPP government to use the latest IMF bailout judiciously.

Mahama underlined the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians, He criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, suggesting that the suffering of the people would persist as long as they remained in office. He specifically addressed the government's decision to implement Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption, predicting a nearly 21% increase in tariffs, further exacerbating the financial burden on citizens.

He called on the outgoing government to exercise caution and responsibility in the use of the IMF funds and any additional support from the World Bank and other development partners.

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