BY Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Kwabena Awuku, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to account for the government’s job creation promises, particularly the much-publicised 24-Hour Economy policy, as the administration approaches the end of its second year in office.
In an open letter addressed to the President and the Finance Minister ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement, Mr Awuku raised concerns about youth unemployment, the implementation of flagship government programmes and the rising cost of living.
He argued that young Ghanaians who voted for the government on the promise of employment and economic opportunities deserve clear evidence of progress rather than repeated assurances.
The Akuapem North MP cited figures attributed to the Ghana Statistical Service indicating that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 stands at approximately 32.4 per cent. He also pointed to close to two million Ghanaians between the ages of 15 and 35 who are neither employed nor engaged in education or training.
According to him, behind these statistics are young people struggling to find decent jobs, secure financial independence and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
A major concern raised in the letter was the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, which featured prominently in President Mahama’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Mr Awuku recalled the President’s commitment to the proposed 1-3-3 job formula — One Job, Three Shifts, Three People — which was presented as a strategy to expand employment opportunities by encouraging businesses and industries to operate around the clock.
However, he questioned the number of jobs the initiative had actually created since the government assumed office.
He challenged the President to provide specific figures showing how many Ghanaians had secured employment through the policy and how the initiative was translating into improved livelihoods.
“How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?” he asked.
Mr Awuku maintained that the success of the policy should be measured by actual employment opportunities created rather than campaign promises, policy announcements or projected figures.
The MP also demanded accountability over the government’s One Million Coders Programme, which was introduced as part of efforts to equip young Ghanaians with digital skills and improve their prospects in the modern job market.
While acknowledging the importance of digital skills in an increasingly technology-driven economy, he said the government must provide clear information about the programme’s achievements.
He specifically asked how many participants had successfully completed the training and how many had secured employment or started earning an income as a result of the programme.
According to him, the impact of the initiative must go beyond enrolling young people in training programmes to demonstrating how the skills acquired are creating practical employment and income-generating opportunities.
Mr Awuku further raised concerns about the financial challenges confronting students pursuing tertiary education, citing rising hostel fees, food prices, transportation costs and the cost of learning materials.
He said these expenses were placing additional pressure on students and their families, making access to higher education increasingly difficult.
Against this background, he called for an update on the government’s No Fees Stress initiative, asking how many first-year tertiary students had benefited since its introduction.
He also wanted to know how many beneficiaries received the support in time to take up their admissions without having to pay academic fees upfront.
The MP argued that students and parents deserved transparent information on the programme’s reach and effectiveness, particularly as financial difficulties could prevent qualified applicants from pursuing their education.
Beyond employment and education, Mr Awuku drew attention to increases in electricity and water tariffs, which he said were adding to the financial difficulties facing households.
He noted that families were already struggling to support unemployed young people and meet the rising cost of basic necessities, making higher utility bills an additional burden.
He argued that improvements in the country’s economic indicators must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
According to him, lower inflation figures alone cannot provide relief to a graduate who remains unemployed or a student who cannot afford the cost of education.
“A stable economy must translate into decent jobs and improved living conditions,” he stressed.
He called for measurable results, clear timelines and a comprehensive plan to address youth unemployment and improve opportunities for young people.
He further challenged the government to use the 2027 Budget Statement to provide specific answers on the progress of its flagship employment, digital skills and education support programmes.
In a pointed conclusion, Mr Awuku posed two questions he believes the government must answer: “Adwuma no wɔ he?” — Where are the jobs? And where is the hope you promised Ghana’s youth?
He insisted that young people were not asking the government for favours but for opportunities to work, earn a living and build their future.
“The young people of this country voted for change. They are not asking for favours. They are asking for opportunities and your government must deliver,” he stated.
