Sammi Awuku, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has written an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson challenging them to provide clear answers on youth unemployment and job creation.
The Akuapem North MP in his open letter questioned the government’s progress in delivering on its campaign promises, particularly the 24-Hour Economy and the One Million Coders Programme.
Sammi Awuku cited figures from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) which disclosed that youth unemployment is about 32.4% among young people aged 15 to 24, with close to two million Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 neither employed nor in education or training.
The MP highlighted that the figures reflected the difficulties facing young people seeking employment and financial independence.
He reminded President Mahama of his campaign promise to create jobs through the 24-Hour Economy and the 1-3-3 job formula.
Sammi Awuku subsequently directly questioned the government: “How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?”
He further held the government accountable on the One Million Coders Programme, which he noted was presented as a major intervention to address youth unemployment.
Read the letter below:
“OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA AND HON. DR. CASSIEL ATO FORSON
Dear Sirs,
Kindly accept the compliments of the good people of Akuapem North and the youth of this country.
As the Finance Minister prepares to present the 2027 Budget Statement on your behalf, I believe there are some important questions that deserve answers, particularly from the young people of this country.
The Ghana Statistical Service has reported youth unemployment of about 32.4% among young people aged 15 to 24. Additionally, close to two million Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 are neither employed nor in education or training.
Behind these figures are young people desperate for opportunities, decent jobs and the ability to become financially independent.
Mr. President, you campaigned on the 24-Hour Economy and the 1-3-3 job formula: One Job, Three Shifts, Three People. You promised that a vote for you would mean more jobs for the youth.
Today, we ask: How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?
Your One Million Coders Programme was also presented as a major intervention to address youth unemployment. Yet young people deserve answers to two critical questions:
1. How many participants have successfully completed the programme?
2. How many have secured employment or begun earning an income as a result?
The situation facing students is equally concerning. Rising hostel fees, food prices, transportation costs and learning materials have made tertiary education increasingly expensive. We therefore seek an update on the No Fees Stress initiative. How many first-year students have benefited since its introduction and how many received support in time to take up their admissions without paying academic fees upfront?
Beyond education and employment, households continue to grapple with rising utility tariffs. Residential electricity and water tariffs have increased significantly, adding to the financial pressure on families already struggling to support unemployed young people.
Mr. President, a stable economy must translate into decent jobs and improved living conditions. Lower inflation figures mean little to a young graduate who cannot find a job or a student struggling to afford an education.
Nearly two years into your administration, the youth deserve more than campaign promises. They deserve measurable results, clear timelines and a comprehensive plan for youth employment and development.
The question is simple:
Adwuma no wɔ he? Where are the jobs?
Where is the hope you promised Ghana’s youth?
The young people of this country voted for change. They are not asking for favours. They are asking for opportunities and your government must deliver.
Please do something”.
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