‘WHERE ARE THE JOBS?’ — Minority Slams Government Over Youth Unemployment
Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of failing to deliver on job creation and public sector reforms
The Minority in Parliament has criticised the government over what it describes as a worsening youth unemployment crisis, accusing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to deliver on its flagship job creation promises.
Addressing a press briefing on Monday, February 3, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the country’s unemployment situation as “alarming” and said the government had failed to match its rhetoric with results.
“The report is that we have some 34 per cent youth unemployment rate, and this is very unacceptable. The question is, where are the jobs given all the promises?” he asked.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that several of the government’s programmes existed only on paper, with little to show in terms of real job creation.
“While the NDC was quick to roll out programmes on paper, we hear Adwuma Wura, National Apprenticeship Programme, Nkoko Nkitinkiti. Well, they are paper promises, but in reality, what are the tangible outcomes? Even if any existed, they are scanty, and this is their year two; the honeymoon is over,” he said.
The Minority Leader also criticised the government’s decision to discontinue the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative introduced under the previous administration, arguing that no viable alternative had been introduced to support the private sector.
“They have cancelled the 1D1F. In its place, there is no alternative policy programme for the private sector. I have not heard the Minister of Trade and Industry announcing a major private sector initiative to create economic growth, yet they have cancelled the 1D1F,” he stated.
On public sector reforms, Mr. Afenyo-Markin questioned the government’s commitment, claiming that the ministry responsible had become inactive.
“They promised public sector reforms, but so far, the minister responsible for public sector reform cannot be found. We have not seen any major announcement, even in the budget, as if that ministry is non-existent,” he said.
He urged the government to move beyond what he termed “paper programmes” and deliver tangible results that would address the growing frustration of unemployed young Ghanaians.
“It’s time to take urgent action. The youth need jobs, not promises,” he concluded.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
