Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku has challenged President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to account for jobs created under the government’s flagship employment interventions ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement.
In an open letter addressed to the two leaders, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP demanded concrete figures on the impact of the 24-Hour Economy policy, the One Million Coders Programme and the No Fees Stress initiative.
He argued that nearly two years into the administration, young Ghanaians deserved more than campaign promises.
“They deserve measurable results, clear timelines and a comprehensive plan for youth employment and development,” he stated.
Awuku cited Ghana Statistical Service figures indicating that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 stands at about 32.4 per cent.
He also pointed to close to two million Ghanaians aged between 15 and 35 who are neither employed nor in education or training.
He said behind these figures were young people desperate for opportunities, decent jobs and the ability to become financially independent.
Recalling President Mahama’s campaign promises, the MP questioned the government’s performance on the 24-Hour Economy and its 1-3-3 job formula, which seeks to create one job operating across three shifts and employing three people.
“Today, we ask: How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?” he queried.
Mr Awuku also demanded an update on the One Million Coders Programme, asking the government to disclose how many participants had successfully completed the programme and how many had secured employment or started earning an income as a result.
He said young people deserved answers to these questions as the government prepared to present its next budget.
OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA AND HON. DR. CASSIEL ATO FORSON
Dear Sirs,
Kindly accept the compliments of the good people of Akuapem North and the youth of this country.
As the Finance Minister prepares to present the 2027 Budget Statement on your behalf, I believe there are some important questions that deserve answers, particularly from the young people of this country.
The Ghana Statistical Service has reported youth unemployment of about 32.4% among young people aged 15 to 24. Additionally, close to two million Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 are neither employed nor in education or training.
Behind these figures are young people desperate for opportunities, decent jobs and the ability to become financially independent.
Mr. President, you campaigned on the 24-Hour Economy and the 1-3-3 job formula: One Job, Three Shifts, Three People. You promised that a vote for you would mean more jobs for the youth.
Today, we ask: How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?
Your One Million Coders Programme was also presented as a major intervention to address youth unemployment. Yet young people deserve answers to two critical questions:
1. How many participants have successfully completed the programme?
2. How many have secured employment or begun earning an income as a result?
The situation facing students is equally concerning. Rising hostel fees, food prices, transportation costs and learning materials have made tertiary education increasingly expensive. We therefore seek an update on the No Fees Stress initiative. How many first-year students have benefited since its introduction and how many received support in time to take up their admissions without paying academic fees upfront?
Beyond education and employment, households continue to grapple with rising utility tariffs. Residential electricity and water tariffs have increased significantly, adding to the financial pressure on families already struggling to support unemployed young people.
Mr. President, a stable economy must translate into decent jobs and improved living conditions. Lower inflation figures mean little to a young graduate who cannot find a job or a student struggling to afford an education.
Nearly two years into your administration, the youth deserve more than campaign promises. They deserve measurable results, clear timelines and a comprehensive plan for youth employment and development.
The question is simple:
Adwuma no wɔ he? Where are the jobs?
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.
Please do something.
