During his campaign tour of the Upper West Region, former President and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, placed a strong emphasis on addressing youth unemployment, a key challenge facing the region. Speaking to enthusiastic crowds in constituencies such as Wechau, Goripie, Daffiama, Charia, and Kpongu, Mahama outlined his vision to create opportunities for the youth and reform educational access under his next administration.

Mahama acknowledged the pressing issue of youth unemployment, which he described as a national crisis exacerbated by the current government’s failure to create sufficient jobs. He promised that, under his leadership, the next NDC government would prioritize the recruitment of unemployed youth into the country’s security services. Significantly, he proposed a shift in recruitment requirements that would ease the path for young people to join the security forces.

“The current emphasis on Core Mathematics and English as barriers to entry into the security services is unfair to many capable young Ghanaians,” Mahama argued. He proposed that applicants with vocational or technical certificates should be eligible to join the police, military, and other security agencies. This policy, he said, would offer opportunities to thousands of young people who possess practical skills but are disadvantaged by the existing recruitment criteria. He also stressed that this policy would ensure fair and equal recruitment opportunities across all regions, giving hope to young people in both urban and rural areas.

Beyond tackling unemployment, Mahama also turned his attention to educational reforms aimed at making higher education more accessible and affordable. He announced that under his next government, all level 100 students entering teacher and nursing training colleges, as well as universities, would benefit from free tuition in their first academic year. After this initial year, students would then apply for loans to cover their subsequent fees, which they would repay after completing their education and securing employment.

This proposed policy, Mahama explained, is designed to remove the financial barriers that prevent many qualified students from accessing higher education. “By offering free tuition in the first year, we are giving every student a fair chance to start their education without the immediate worry of finances,” he stated. The student loan scheme, according to Mahama, would be structured in a way that ensures students have the support they need throughout their studies, and only begin repayment once they are employed.

Mahama’s focus on youth employment and education was warmly received by the crowds, who see these issues as critical to the future of the Upper West Region. By addressing these two major areas, Mahama seeks to not only alleviate the burden on the youth but also equip them with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to national development.

With these bold policy proposals, Mahama’s message to the people of the Upper West is clear: his next government will be one that listens to the concerns of the youth and provides practical solutions to the challenges they face. He urged the electorate to vote for him and the NDC in the upcoming elections, promising that his administration would prioritize youth empowerment and educational access for all.

Filed by: Saani Abacha