The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to provide evidence of progress in tackling youth unemployment, creating jobs and addressing the economic difficulties confronting young Ghanaians.
In an open letter to the two leaders ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement, Mr Awuku questioned the impact of key government initiatives, including the 24-Hour Economy, the One Million Coders Programme and the No Fees Stress initiative.
He argued that nearly two years into the administration, young people need more than political assurances, insisting that the government must demonstrate measurable progress through concrete results, clear targets and implementation timelines.
Citing figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), the Akuapem North MP said youth unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 stand at approximately 32.4 per cent.
He also drew attention to nearly two million Ghanaians aged between 15 and 35 who are not in employment, education or training, describing the situation as a significant challenge for the country’s development.
According to him, the statistics represent the struggles of young people seeking decent employment, financial independence and opportunities to contribute to the national economy.
A central issue in Mr Awuku’s letter is the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, which featured prominently in President Mahama’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections.
He recalled that the President also promoted the One Job, Three Shifts, Three People (1-3-3) formula as part of his strategy to expand employment opportunities by encouraging businesses and industries to operate across multiple shifts.
Mr Awuku said the promises generated considerable expectations among young people, many of whom supported the administration in anticipation of improved employment prospects.
However, he questioned the extent to which the policy has translated into actual jobs, demanding specific figures on the number of employment opportunities created since the government assumed office.
“Today, we ask: How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?” he queried.
He argued that the government must provide evidence of the programme’s impact, particularly on young people who continue to face difficulties securing employment.
Mr Awuku also called for greater transparency regarding the implementation and outcomes of the government’s One Million Coders Programme.
The initiative, which is intended to equip young Ghanaians with digital skills, has been presented as part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve employability and prepare the youth for opportunities in the digital economy.
However, the MP maintained that its effectiveness should be assessed not only by enrolment figures but also by the number of participants who successfully complete the training and secure employment or generate income from the skills acquired.
He consequently challenged the government to disclose how many participants have completed the programme and how many have secured jobs or established income-generating opportunities as a direct result of their participation.
For Mr Awuku, such information would provide a clearer assessment of whether the initiative is delivering on its promise of improving the economic prospects of young people.
The MP further raised concerns about the financial pressures confronting students in tertiary institutions, citing increasing accommodation costs, food prices, transportation expenses and the cost of learning materials.
He said these expenses have made tertiary education increasingly difficult to afford for many students and their families.
Against this background, he called on the government to provide an update on the No Fees Stress initiative, which is designed to offer financial relief to first-year tertiary students.
Mr Awuku specifically wants the administration to disclose the number of students who have benefited from the intervention since its introduction.
He also questioned how many beneficiaries received financial support early enough to secure admission and enrol in their respective institutions without having to pay academic fees upfront.
He said the government must demonstrate that the initiative is providing timely and meaningful support to students, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Beyond employment and education, Mr Awuku expressed concern about the financial burden of rising residential electricity and water tariffs on households.
He argued that increases in utility costs have compounded the economic difficulties facing families, many of whom must also cater for unemployed relatives and students pursuing higher education.
According to him, improvements in macroeconomic indicators should translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Ghanaians, particularly through increased employment opportunities, affordable education and improved living conditions.
He cautioned against relying solely on declining inflation figures as evidence of economic progress when many young people remain unemployed and students continue to struggle with the cost of education.
“Lower inflation figures mean little to a young graduate who cannot find a job or a student struggling to afford an education,” he stated.
Mr Awuku maintained that young Ghanaians who supported the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections have a legitimate right to demand accountability over the administration’s campaign commitments.
He said the youth are not seeking special favours but opportunities to secure decent jobs, achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He therefore urged President Mahama and Dr Ato Forson to use the 2027 Budget Statement to provide a comprehensive account of the government’s progress on employment creation and youth development.
He also called for measurable targets, clear implementation timelines and a credible strategy to address the country’s persistent youth unemployment challenge.
In a direct appeal to the President, the MP questioned whether the administration is fulfilling the expectations it created during the election campaign.
“The question is simple: Adwuma no wɔ he? Where are the jobs? Where is the hope you promised Ghana’s youth?” he asked.
He concluded by urging the government to move beyond promises and take concrete action to address the concerns of young people.
“Please do something,” he appealed.
His intervention comes ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement, which will provide an opportunity for the government to outline its economic priorities, policy interventions and spending commitments for the coming fiscal year.
By 1960news.com
