In a recent address at Wisconsin International University College in Accra, John Mahama, the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reiterated his commitment to creating a dedicated ministry for youth development if elected president in the upcoming December elections.
During a special public lecture titled “An Interaction with Students and Faculty of WIUC-Ghana,” Mahama emphasized the need for a Ministry of Youth Development to coordinate policies, programs, and initiatives tailored to address the diverse needs of Ghanaian youth. He emphasized that this proposed ministry would focus on employment, moving beyond just sports to encompass sectors like agriculture and other vital areas of the economy.
Mahama highlighted the importance of this ministry in tackling the multifaceted challenges young people in Ghana face while leveraging their potential for sustainable development. He expressed concern over Ghana’s rising unemployment rate, citing statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service showing it at 14.7 percent. He emphasized the urgency of finding solutions to create sustainable job opportunities for the country’s youth.
Mahama particularly highlighted the impact of unemployment on tertiary-educated individuals, noting that a significant portion of the unemployed population are graduates. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize addressing this issue to ensure the country’s youth have access to meaningful employment opportunities.