On Sunday, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in an engagement with the Ghanaian youth unveiled a comprehensive vision for job creation aimed at transforming the economy.
Dr. Bawumia, during the event held at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, also virtually connected with youth in all 16 regions.
In a passionate address, Bawumia emphasised his commitment to making the youth his top priority, promising to introduce bold, business-friendly policies designed to create close to four million jobs if elected on December 7, 2024.
He began his speech by reflecting on the economic challenges that Ghanaians have faced in recent years, particularly the prolonged power outages that plagued the nation during the erstwhile Mahama-led administration.
He recalled how these outages severely impacted productivity across sectors, leading to widespread job losses.
Bawumia urged the audience to consider two choices – a return to past failures or the opportunity for renewed leadership focused on progress and recovery.
He reiterated his promise to the youth from the previous year, asserting that their voices and ideas would be integral to shaping his government’s policies.
He committed to fostering a political environment where young people are actively involved in decision-making processes, empowering them to become a driving force for change in the nation.
His approach aims to address the specific needs of the youth and ensure they have a stake in the country’s future.
Central to his job creation strategy is the expansion of educational opportunities. Bawumia outlined plans to increase student accommodation in public universities, introduce scholarships for persons with disabilities, and implement a centralised application system for tertiary institutions.
He highlighted the importance of protecting and enhancing the Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives, which have already led to significant increases in student enrolment and gender parity in education.
Bawumia emphasised the need to leverage public policy to stimulate economic growth. His vision includes completing the Agenda 111 hospitals to ensure that every district has access to healthcare, thereby creating thousands of jobs.
He also intends to support businesses through a “Buy Ghana First” policy, establish a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank, and create Special Economic Zones in border towns to enhance economic activity and job creation.
Bawumia’s speech also addressed the agricultural sector, where he plans to implement technology and irrigation solutions for large-scale farming, prioritising food security and job creation.
He proposed the establishment of agrarian enclaves based on regional advantages alongside investments in research and development to modernise the industry.
The housing sector was another focal point of his address, with commitments to create social and affordable housing initiatives to support low-income workers.
Bawumia’s plans also extend to the mining sector, aiming to maximise the benefits of Ghana’s natural resources through environmentally sustainable practices and local ownership.
To harness the digital economy’s potential, Bawumia announced plans to collaborate with educational institutions and tech firms to create a National Robotics, Engineering, and AI Lab.
He aims to establish a Fintech Fund to support Ghanaian start-ups, eliminate import duties on mobile devices, and abolish the controversial E-Levy to encourage technological adoption and growth.
Bawumia concluded his address by reiterating his commitment to a Ghana where young people can thrive, emphasising the transformative power of technology, inclusivity, and robust policies.
His bold plan for job creation is not just an economic agenda; it is a call to action for the youth of Ghana to take charge of their future and contribute to the nation’s progress.
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