IEA Town Hall Debate: PNC to 'wipe out' joblessness in two years

The People's National Convention (PNC) Presidential Candidate says they would dedicate the first two years of their term if given the mandate in the December polls to address the teeming youth unemployment in the country.

Responding to questions at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)'s Town Hall Presidential Debate, the Dr Edward Mahama said his party would reduce unemployment in two years of assuming power.

He said he would bring about structural changes in the country especially with the way things are conducted in the country.

He said he would prioritize agriculture as it could employ up to 50 percent of the unemployed youth, citing a graduate of the University of Ghana, 25, who is doing well for with pig farming.

Dr Mahama spoke fondly of his days as a farmer as a 27-years-old, which helped him to travel abroad to develop himself.

He believes the sector has the potential to employ many people with the creation of subsidiary companies. “If we are growing rice, it will help the farmers as well others who would be polishing and bagging the rice.

“These value-added jobs will get people employed,” he said adding his administration would help maize farmers in the Afram Plains in the Eastern Region where the land is fertile for maize farming.

The three-time flagbearer said poultry would also receive a massive boost, as his government would put in place measures to enhance local poultry production.

According to him, the poultry industry would do so well that it would fit into the PNC's 'A drumstick for every school child at lunch' programme.

Dr Mahama also plans to add value to raw materials produced by farmers.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim