On August 12, 2024, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) launched their Youth Manifesto, geared towards providing greater investment in education, skills development and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, to unlock the innovative potential of young people for nation-building and self-actualization.
Flagbearer of the party, John Dramani Mahama, in his speech outlined several policies that he explained will alleviate the challenges faced by the youth.
Below are highlights of the promises made:
Flagbearer for the party John Mahama pledged:
1. THE 24-HOUR ECONOMY
• The 24-hour economy will open new job markets
• The 24-hour economy will share 1 job across three shifts, and will create jobs in both private and public sectors.
• Recruit additional personnel the 24-hour economy, promising enhanced lighting for security.
• 24-hour ports and harbour services, passport services, banking services, Agro processing services, construction, sanitation and waste management services, transport services, and financial institution services.
2. EDUCATION
• To scrap academic fees for level 100 students through the no fee stress initiative.
• To provide sustainable dedicated funding for the free SHS policy.
• To improve food quality for free SHS and expand access by building more infrastructure in already existing secondary schools.
• To complete the e-blocks.
• To abolish the double track system.
• To construct hostels for students on tertiary campuses at affordable rates to address the accommodation challenges.
• To abolish of the teacher licensure exam.
• Increased access to quality education
3. DIGITALISATION
• Support for digital startups.
• To train 1 million young Ghanaians in coding. He explained this promise was long made in Page 88 of the 2020 NDC manifesto.
• To provide free WiFi services in all schools and selected public places, with fibre and satellite internet.
• To reduce data costs.
4. GOVERNANCE
• The appointment of more young people to serve in government from January 2025.
• To ensure that corrupt officials will be brought to book whether under his administration or under the ruling new patriotic party’s administration.
• To ensure favourable tax regimes.
5. JOB CREATION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
• To equip youth in skills and job opportunities, by decentralizing the Accra digital centre to other regions.
• To decentralise recruitment into security agencies.
• To support young entrepreneurs with startup funds and accelerate the pace for already existing youth-owned businesses.
• To establish the women’s development bank to ensure gender equality by providing funds to millions of women across the country with training etc.
The NDC believes through this comprehensive plan, it will address youth unemployment and empower young Ghanaians.
