In anticipation of the forthcoming December 7 elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Dramani Mahama, is positioning itself with a focus on transformative job creation initiatives aimed at young Ghanaians. The flagship proposal, termed the Digital Jobs Initiative, will facilitate an ambitious investment of three billion dollars in collaboration with the private sector to harness the potential of information and communication technology (ICT). Mahama stated that the initiative will train one million youth in various digital skills such as coding, web application development, and software engineering, equipping them for roles within the burgeoning digital ecosystem. This strategy is part of the party’s manifesto titled “Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity,” which outlines their vision for economic revitalization through technology and innovation.
To foster a conducive environment for job creation, Mahama plans to establish Regional Digital Centres modeled after the successful Accra Digital Centre. These centers will aim to expand the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors across the nation. Additionally, Mahama has pledged to upgrade current ICT parks, like the Dawa ICT Park, transforming them into world-class centers of excellence focused on enhancing job opportunities for Ghanaians. By channeling efforts into these digital initiatives, Mahama is underscoring the NDC’s commitment to building a skilled workforce and creating long-term employment prospects in the technology sector.
In furthering the NDC’s agenda for economic innovation, Mahama announced a $50 million FinTech Growth Fund designed to bolster the digital entrepreneurship landscape in Ghana. This fund will specifically target indigenous FinTech companies, empowering them to innovate and expand their services. Furthermore, the establishment of Zonal ICT Parks across the country is intended to position Ghana as a leading hub for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in Africa. Mahama asserts that under his leadership, creating jobs will take precedence, demonstrating the party’s strategic focus on integrating technology with economic development.
To enhance overall productivity and attract more businesses, Mahama introduced a pioneering “24-Hour Economy Policy,” encouraging enterprises and public organizations to operate round the clock in three shifts. He suggests that this policy will lead to increased production levels and create numerous well-paying jobs as business activities become more dynamic and accessible. This initiative, coupled with other job creation strategies, signifies a significant shift towards a more resilient and flexible economy that can adapt to market demands at any hour.
In addition to these high-tech initiatives, the NDC is committed to launching a National Apprenticeship Programme that will provide free technical and vocational training to the youth in various trades. This initiative aims not only to equip young people with essential skills but also to support them with certification and funding to facilitate their entrepreneurial ventures. The programme is expected to reduce unemployment rates and enable youths to contribute positively to the economy. Furthermore, Mahama unveiled the Adwumawura Programme as a strategic response to the economic challenges currently faced by citizens, reaffirming the NDC’s dedication to addressing poverty and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Closing his address, Mahama urged the electorate to support the NDC in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, emphasizing the necessity of a strong mandate to implement these transformative measures. He expressed confidence that the proposed policies would effectively reset Ghana’s economy, steering it towards recovery and prosperity. With an unwavering commitment to economic management and job creation, Mahama’s vision encapsulates a hopeful future for Ghana, anchored in resilience, innovation, and the promotion of local talent. As the elections approach, the NDC’s message resonates with the aspirations of many Ghanaians seeking meaningful employment and economic stability.
