2024 elections: ‘NPP has no panacea for youth unemployment’ — Mahama

Former president and presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has criticized the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for failing to address Ghana's growing youth unemployment crisis.

Speaking to journalists at an event to conclude his campaign tour of the Bono Region, Mahama said youth unemployment is a major issue plaguing the region and country.

“But certainly, like in all the other regions, youth unemployment is the main issue. The youth came out in their numbers, and it is clear that it is a ticking time bomb for us as a country. We need to accelerate the economy," he stated.

Mahama argued that the NPP government has shown it has "no panacea for youth unemployment," as unemployment rates have risen dramatically under their watch.

Official figures show unemployment increasing from 8.4% to 14.7% over the NPP's eight years in office, according to the one-time President.

He questioned claims by the NPP of creating over 2 million jobs, saying "If unemployment has risen to 14.7%, then you can’t have created 2 million, 2-point-something million jobs."

The former president believes stronger action is needed to tackle unemployment and accelerate Ghana's economy in order to provide more opportunities for the country's large youth population.

If re-elected in the upcoming general elections, Mr. Mahama has promised to create more employment opportunities and boost productivity through his 24-hour policy.