Accra: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has placed the concerns and aspirations of the youth at the forefront of his political agenda as he outlined an ambitious plan for job creation aimed at transforming the Ghanaian economy. Speaking at a Youth Connect programme at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Dr Bawumia pledged to focus on creating decent and sustainable jobs for young people, emphasizing their role as a priority under his potential presidency.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Bawumia’s address included a promise to introduce business-friendly policies designed to generate close to four million jobs, reflecting on the economic difficulties faced by Ghanaians in recent years, particularly during power outages under the previous Mahama administration, which resulted in significant job losses. He urged the youth to consider their choices in the upcoming December 7 election, positioning himself as a leader focused on progress and recovery rather
than past shortcomings.
Dr Bawumia highlighted the importance of incorporating the voices and ideas of the youth into his government’s policies, committing to fostering a political environment where young people actively participate in decision-making. His job creation strategy includes expanding educational opportunities, increasing student accommodations through private sector involvement, and offering scholarships for persons with disabilities. He also plans to implement a centralized application system for tertiary institutions and protect initiatives like Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Vice President underscored the need for leveraging public policy to drive economic growth, with plans to involve the private sector in government spending to create fiscal space. He also committed to completing the Agenda 111 hospitals project, which aims to employ thousands of health personnel, and ensuring district-wide healthcare access.
Dr Bawumia’s econ
omic strategy also includes supporting businesses through a ‘Buy Ghana First’ policy, establishing a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank, and creating Special Economic Zones in border towns. Plans for the agricultural sector involve setting up mechanization centers and irrigation solutions, while the housing sector will see social and affordable housing initiatives for low-income workers.
In addition, Dr Bawumia emphasized the sustainable development of Ghana’s natural resources and proposed harnessing the digital economy’s potential through collaboration with educational institutions and tech firms. This includes creating a National Robotics, Engineering, and AI Laboratory, establishing a $100 million Fintech Fund, and removing import duties on mobile devices to boost technological growth.
Dr Bawumia concluded by reaffirming his commitment to an environment where young people can thrive, stressing the transformative power of technology, inclusivity, and robust policies. Young participants from across G
hana’s 16 regions engaged with the programme virtually, reflecting the broad interest in his proposals.