2027 Budget: 'Adwuma no wɔ he?’ – Sammi Awuku demands answers on Mahama's youth employment promises

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to provide clear answers on the number of jobs created by his administration, particularly through its flagship youth employment initiatives.

He said young people are waiting for measurable results from the government's promises, including the 24-Hour Economy and the One Million Coders Programme.

Sammi Awuku made the call in an open letter to President Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday, November 10, ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement.

He questioned how many jobs had been created under the 24-Hour Economy, which was presented during the 2024 election campaign as a major intervention to expand employment opportunities.

“Today, we ask: How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?” he quizzed.

The Akuapem North MP also demanded figures on the One Million Coders Programme, asking how many participants had completed the initiative and how many had secured jobs or started earning an income through it.

He further called for an update on the government's No Fees Stress initiative, particularly the number of first-year tertiary students who had benefited and received support in time to take up their admissions without paying academic fees upfront.

Sammi Awuku further asserted that rising hostel fees, food prices, transport costs and the cost of learning materials had made tertiary education increasingly expensive for students.

He also raised concerns about increases in residential electricity and water tariffs, arguing that the higher costs had placed additional pressure on households.

Sammi Awuku further argued that improvements in economic indicators must be reflected in the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly young people seeking employment and financial independence.

“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,” he stated.