GBC/NCCE Presidential Debate: Presidential Candidates Outline Plans For Youth Employment 

The Presidential candidates in this year’s elections are upbeat about their ability to solve the problem of youth employment in the country. 

Taking turns at the GBC/NCCE Presidential Debate at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra, the candidates were very optimistic their proposed solution would drastically reduce unemployment among the youth. 

Convention People’s Party (CPP) Lawyer, Ivor Greenstreet was of the opinion that past government had been scratching the surface of the issue, advocating that Ghana must add value to its raw materials as a means of creating employment. 

“We have been scratching the surface; We must add value to our raw materials. Import substitution is important. It is important to grow millet jute sacks and other crops.” To him, when these measures are taken, the youth would have more jobs in the value-creation chain, thereby curbing unemployment. 

The People’s National Convention’s, (PNC), Dr. Edward Mahama said he would lead rice growers in Ghana and help reduce rice importation. He is of the conviction that Shea is more important than cocoa and attention will be given to Shea butter to induce the youth into the sector. 

The Independent Candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah, JOY) maintains that the unemployment situation can be addressed through the restructuring of education and industry. 
“With natural resources at its disposal, Ghana has a robust economy with natural resources that must be harnessed through industrialization.” To him, thousands of jobs could be created even through mining extension programs. 

As an employer with several workers under him, Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) emphasizes that the PPP is the home of job creation in the country. “My running mate is helping women by providing jobs and so is Nylander who is providing jobs for youth,” he disclosed. 

Just as Dr. Edward Mahama, he also advocates a rice revolution for which, he said, they had built plants already. “Cashew will be processed and create jobs for people in technical university and there is tourism which can be developed where millions of jobs can be created.” 

The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) John Dramani Mahama blasted the rest for throwing about figures. “Everybody is throwing figures about. There is the world bank figure.” He revealed that there are 600,000 people on government payroll yet when people complete school they want government to employ them.” 

To him, that approach to employment must be altered. He is advocating the private sector as the employment driver in the country with government creating the congenial environment. 

President Mahama also advised the youth to identify the needs of industry in order to position themselves for them.

The debate which is supported by Star Ghana and its partners, was moderated by Mr. Dan Afari Yeboah of “What Do You Know Fame” and Mrs. Selikem Acolatse Apaloo of GBC.



Monitored by GBC’s Ruth Abla Adjorlolo.


GBC