Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Kwabena Awuku
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Kwabena Awuku, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to account for his government’s job creation promises, particularly the much-publicised 24-Hour Economy policy, ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement.
In an open letter to the President and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the MP questioned the progress of the government’s flagship employment and education initiatives, arguing that Ghanaian youth deserve measurable results rather than repeated assurances.
Mr Awuku maintained that the government’s promises to create employment opportunities and improve living conditions must be assessed against the realities confronting young Ghanaians.
He cited figures attributed to the Ghana Statistical Service indicating that unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 stood at approximately 32.4 per cent, while nearly two million Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 were neither employed nor engaged in education or training.
According to him, the figures reflect the difficulties facing young people seeking employment, financial independence and opportunities to contribute to national development.
24-Hour Economy Under Scrutiny
A central concern raised by the MP was the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, which featured prominently in President Mahama’s 2024 election campaign.
Mr Awuku recalled the proposed 1-3-3 employment formula, representing One Job, Three Shifts, Three People, which was presented as a strategy to expand employment by encouraging businesses and industries to operate around the clock.
He questioned how many jobs had been created through the initiative since the government assumed office.
“How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?” he asked.
The MP demanded specific employment figures, insisting that the policy’s success should be measured by actual jobs created rather than announcements, projections or campaign promises.
He argued that young Ghanaians who supported the government on the expectation of improved employment opportunities deserved a clear account of the policy’s implementation and impact.
Questions Over One Million Coders Programme
Mr Awuku also demanded an assessment of the government’s One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to equip young Ghanaians with digital skills.
While acknowledging the importance of digital training in a technology-driven economy, he questioned how many participants had completed the programme and subsequently secured employment or established income-generating ventures.
He maintained that the programme’s effectiveness should be determined not merely by enrolment figures but by its contribution to employment and economic opportunities.
According to him, providing digital skills without corresponding opportunities for productive employment would do little to address the challenges confronting young people.
No Fees Stress Initiative
Turning to education, the Akuapem North MP raised concerns about the financial pressures facing tertiary students and their families.
He cited rising hostel fees, transportation costs, food prices and learning expenses as challenges affecting access to higher education.
Mr Awuku consequently demanded an update on the government’s No Fees Stress initiative, particularly the number of first-year tertiary students who had benefited from the programme.
He also questioned how many beneficiaries received financial support in time to complete their admissions without having to pay academic fees upfront.
The MP argued that transparency over the programme’s implementation was necessary to determine whether it was achieving its intended objective of reducing financial barriers to tertiary education.
Rising Living Costs
Beyond employment and education, Mr Awuku expressed concern about increases in electricity and water tariffs, which he said were placing additional financial pressure on households.
He argued that families already struggling to support unemployed relatives were being compelled to spend more on essential services.
According to him, improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including declining inflation, would have limited meaning for young graduates without jobs or students unable to afford their education.
“A stable economy must translate into decent jobs and improved living conditions,” he stressed.
He maintained that economic management should ultimately be judged by its impact on employment, household welfare and the opportunities available to ordinary citizens.
Demands Answers in 2027 Budget
Mr Awuku called on the government to use the 2027 Budget Statement to provide measurable results, clear implementation timelines and a comprehensive strategy for addressing youth unemployment.
He said the government must account for progress under the 24-Hour Economy policy, the One Million Coders Programme and the No Fees Stress initiative.
In concluding his letter, the MP posed two questions to the administration: “Adwuma no wɔ he?” meaning “Where are the jobs?” and “Where is the hope you promised Ghana’s youth?”
“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.
The government has not provided a response to the specific questions raised in the open letter in the material available for this report.
