Former President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious youth development agenda as part of his campaign for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming elections. Central to this agenda is an emphasis on substantial investment in education, skills development, and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment. Mahama recognizes the extraordinary potential of Ghana’s youth, who are distinguished as one of the hardest working demographics in Africa, marked by their creativity and enthusiasm. However, he highlights the pressing challenges they face, including a flawed education system, high unemployment rates, and underemployment that collectively push them into poverty and despair, exacerbating mental health issues. With these critical insights, Mahama, positioning himself as the eighth candidate on the presidential ballot, delivered these key messages in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, titled “Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity.”
Informed by his extensive political experience—including roles as Assemblyman, Member of Parliament, Minister of State, Vice President, and President—Mahama’s strategic perspective on youth issues emerges from a nuanced understanding of the socioeconomic landscape in Ghana. He proposes a comprehensive approach to transform the lives of young citizens through significant digital infrastructure investments aimed at broadening access to digital literacy and skills. This approach encompasses promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging the active participation of young individuals in political and social arenas. Mahama’s progressive plans address the systemic barriers that limit youth potential, thereby aiming to reinvigorate the nation’s workforce and integrate youth contributions into the broader economic landscape.
An innovative initiative, the “Adwumawura Programme,” is at the forefront of Mahama’s youth development strategy. He envisions this program as a transformative policy designed to nurture and monitor the establishment of at least 10,000 youth-led businesses annually, supported by the NDC’s 24-Hour Economy policy. By developing a specialized credit system tailored for youth entrepreneurs and maintaining a robust database of youth-operated businesses, Mahama aims to provide essential advisory services, management assistance, and financial resources such as soft loans and tax incentives. This initiative is crucial for initiating self-sustaining economic activities among young Ghanaians, thereby fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that can catalyze broader national development.
In addition to these entrepreneurial measures, Mahama’s government intends to establish a Young Entrepreneurs Microcredit Institution with a substantial seed fund of 750 million Cedis, specifically earmarked for offering affordable loans to young business owners. Recognizing the importance of cooperative structures, he proposes facilitating programs for recent tertiary graduates to form cooperatives, thereby enhancing their bidding capabilities for public and private contracts. The agenda also includes targeted skills training programs and provisions of start-up kits for artisans, reflecting Mahama’s commitment to create meaningful opportunities for youth engagement in the labor market. As he rallies support for his presidential candidacy, Mahama emphasizes the importance of enabling young people to thrive economically.
Beyond economic empowerment, Mahama’s manifesto addresses broader social welfare issues, particularly regarding the elderly and persons with disabilities. He plans to reintroduce the Eban Elderly Welfare System, which would provide priority access to health services, social support, and public transportation for Ghanaians aged 60 and older. His strategy includes partnering with the private sector to enhance services for the elderly, such as establishing Day Centres and Residential Homes, and proposing amendments to the National Health Insurance Scheme to exempt older citizens from premium payments. Furthermore, Mahama aims to exempt individuals aged 70 and older from property rates on residential properties and to bolster geriatric care services nationally, showcasing a holistic approach to the welfare of disadvantaged demographics alongside youth empowerment.
The welfare of persons with disabilities is another critical focus within Mahama’s NDC manifesto. He plans to fortify the existing legal framework surrounding disability rights by advancing the Person with Disability (Amendment) Bill and creating legislative measures to strengthen the Persons with Disability Act. His government promises to enforce a minimum hiring quota for persons living with disabilities in both public and private sectors and to uphold accessibility standards across the built environment. These initiatives underscore a commitment to foster inclusivity and equity in society, culminating in an increased allocation from the District Assemblies Common Fund specifically dedicated to individuals with disabilities. Mahama, through his manifesto, seeks to ensure that marginalized groups receive the necessary support to fully engage in and benefit from national development.
In summary, John Mahama’s youth development agenda represents a transformative vision for Ghana, intertwining education, entrepreneurship, and social welfare initiatives to address systemic issues faced by young people and vulnerable populations. By investing in critical infrastructure, providing financial support, and advocating for equal opportunities, Mahama aims to unlock the potential within Ghana’s youth and foster a more inclusive and prosperous society. His holistic approach extends beyond mere economic measures, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated challenges that Ghanaians face. The NDC’s manifesto, “Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity,” embodies this proactive commitment to not only empower the youth but also elevate the overall quality of life for all citizens, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s development while enjoying a dignified and supported existence.
