Presidential Candidate of the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has touted the party’s flagship campaign promise as a means to address the prevailing rate of youth unemployment in the country.
In an address during the party’s launch of its National Youth Manifesto, the former president explained that the policy would serve as a bedrock for economic growth if implemented.
“The 24-hour economy policy we will implement in 2025 is a game-changer that will open new job markets, foster entrepreneurship, and drive innovation. By creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive, we will lay the foundation for a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
“A 24-hour economy will enable one job to be shared across three shifts and employ three persons, providing job opportunities for three workers instead of one. This policy, which aims to drive economic growth, improve service delivery, and create jobs in both the public and private sectors, will prioritize the needs of our youth,” the former president told party faithful.
Mr. Mahama emphasized that the initiative would be successful if the government adopted measures including beefing up security on the streets and providing streetlights.
The former president added that the next NDC government will empower young people by providing them with digital skills to meet the demands of the new age.
As part of the youth agenda, he promised his government would liaise with the telecommunication companies to bring down the cost of data.
“The Accra Digital Centre was established to facilitate jobs for you, the youth. The Centre will train students and unemployed graduates, enabling them to capitalize on digital job opportunities.
“We will work with the telcos to reduce the data cost and deploy free Wi-Fi in schools and selected public places,” Mr. Mahama assured.
Former President Mahama encouraged the youth to continue harbouring their dreams in the knowledge that it could transform the country.
“Your vote as a Ghanaian is not just a choice,” Mr. Mahama said. “But a powerful tool for shaping our country.”