An electric atmosphere it was at the NDC manifesto launch, where hundreds of youth gathered, eager to hear the party’s plans for their future.
Dressed in party paraphernalia, they expressed high expectations, ahead of the launch.
For most youth, their main problem was unemployment.
“The bottom line for me or the youth is simple job creation, because as a tertiary student, there’s hope that after you finish school there’s a job waiting for you, so that you can also start your life as a youth growing in the country, and make it to the top, but then you see a statistical increase of graduates that are unemployed every year and it’s so appalling,” one said.
Another party supporter explained, “what the youth need right now are jobs, look at the nurses running out of this country because there are no jobs and recently, we heard they are coming to employ over 15,000 people. But we have batches that have not been employed since they took power.”
“Presently in Ghana, there are high levels of unemployment, there is high inflation, imagine you have no work, and you still have to buy goods at a very high rate,” another said.
The flagbearer’s manifesto seemed to have addressed their concerns.
The NDC youth manifesto launch revealed a comprehensive plan to address youth unemployment and empower young Ghanaians.
Key highlights included; training 1 million young Ghanaians in coding, creating jobs through a 24-hour economy, with 3 workers per shift, equipping youth with skills and job opportunities, free WiFi in schools and public places, support for young entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses, abolishing the double track system and teacher licensure exam, increasing access to quality education and affordable healthcare.
Flagbearer of the party, John Mahama expressed his intention to appoint more youth in government, if the party is given the nod, come december 7. And for young party communicators, the initiative is indeed laudable.
Party communicator Julius Anthony said, “Usually when people talk about the reality of the older generation destroying this country, without fear of the consequences coming to themselves, people are mistaken to think that we are sacking old people or young people want power to themselves.
“But in most cases when individuals know that the things they do have bearing on themselves as well, they act better, and we need the level of innovation and thinking that comes with youth,” he stated.
Karen Naa Oyo Kwartey also said, “We need a fresh blood in the system, so that we get the people with the energy and expertise, people who are not battling a lot of things to be at the helm of affairs and help restructure our falling country.”
Reacting to the party’s policy on the women’s bank Tema Central parliamentary aspirant Emmy Bright explained the initiative was a win for women in Ghana.
“I’m looking for that day when women can walk in with sound business ideas and with business support.”
