In the turbulent political landscape of Ghana, youth unemployment remains a critical issue that has sparked debates amongst politicians, citizens, and analysts alike.
Recently, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), positioned himself as a potential solution to this pressing problem.
However, Opare Kwakye, a prominent member of the NPP from Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region, has raised poignant questions regarding Bawumia’s credibility and the party’s record over the past eight years.
Kwakye’s statements come at a time when many are questioning the government’s ability to navigate the economic challenges it faces, including the recent financial crises that led to the collapse of several banks. He rhetorically asked, if Bawumia possesses any ‘magic wands’ to create jobs for the youth, why hasn’t he deployed these solutions earlier but now?
The legitimacy of Bawumia’s promises is under scrutiny, especially coming from someone who has served in high office for eight years while observing the deterioration of economic conditions affecting young people.
The Youth Employment Crisis:
Youth unemployment in Ghana has reached alarming levels, with many graduates left without jobs and a growing disillusionment about the future. The NPP, under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia, promised to drive economic transformation and job creation. However, Kwakye points out that the realities on the ground paint a different picture.
The youth, who were once seen as the backbone of the country’s future, are now grappling with the weight of unfulfilled promises while the government has struggled to deliver on its economic commitments.
The collapse of banks during the government’s tenure, which left many workers owed and economically destabilized, is part of what Kwakye describes as an exposure of Bawumia’s inexperience in handling national economic issues. The Vice President’s role in the economic management of the country has been brought into question, and these failures must not be swept under the carpet as mere political miscalculations; they represent a significant breach of trust with the youth who had hoped for better opportunities.
A Call for Accountability
Kwakye’s declaration that the “truth must be told” highlights a growing call for accountability in Ghana’s political arena. His insistence that criticism should not be seen through the lens of political allegiance underlines an important point: the need for transparency and honest dialogue about governance and policies. The NPP, while facing diminishing youth support, must confront its challenges head-on rather than relying on promises that have been made time and again without tangible outcome.
