John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has advised Ghanaians not to expect any positive developments in the remaining months of the current government’s term. He criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, blaming economic mismanagement for increased hardship and a soaring unemployment rate.
Mahama highlighted the rise in unemployment from 8.5% to 14.7%, emphasizing the challenges faced by a significant portion of the country’s 30 million population.
He expressed skepticism about the current administration’s ability to address unemployment and the deteriorating economic situation, noting the lack of meaningful reforms despite being granted an extended four-year term.
Mahama stated that hopes for positive change under the current leadership were futile, saying, “If anyone is expecting anything good from this government, then forget it because all they can do is what they have done. Nothing good will be added.”
Mahama made these remarks while addressing thousands of party supporters following a symbolic “24-hour economic walk” in Kwaku-Atibie as part of Easter festivities. He reiterated his commitment to addressing the needs of Ghanaian youth by proposing the decoupling of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to create a dedicated Youth Development Ministry.
Mahama expressed concern over the current ministry’s disproportionate focus on sports at the expense of broader youth development initiatives.
According to Mahama, the proposed ministry would provide a platform to harness the potential of Ghana’s youth, offering them opportunities for skills development, education, and meaningful engagement in the country’s economic progress.
He also emphasized the importance of empowering young people with employment opportunities, highlighting their pivotal role in his proposed 24-hour economy policy.
Regarding the upcoming election, Mahama stated that the NDC is approaching it with extra vigilance and will soon begin scouting for competent polling station agents among the youth for training. He urged the youth to avail themselves to serve when the time comes.
The National Youth Organizers of the NDC, George Opare Addo, warned the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and the NPP against attempting to refuse defeat, citing their public assertions that they would never hand over power to the NDC. George Opare Addo cautioned Acheampong, stating that if the people of Ghana vote out the NPP, nobody can change the will of the people.
The walk was attended by former ministers and government appointees of the NDC, as well as national, regional executives, parliamentary candidates, and thousands of party supporters.
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Dr. Mark Oliver Kevor, warned Acheampong in an interview that his businesses would suffer first if he attempted to destabilize the peace of the country by circumventing the will of the electorate
