The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tema West Constituency, James Tamakloe, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of worsening youth unemployment despite its campaign promise to create jobs through the 24-hour economy policy.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuo Nsem, hosted by Kofi Sekyi, Tamakloe claimed the unemployment situation had become more severe since the NDC assumed office, alleging that the government had also revoked the appointments of about 541 public sector workers.
According to him, the NDC won the 2024 general election largely because of what he described as attractive campaign promises, particularly the flagship 24-hour economy policy, but said Ghanaians are yet to see its expected impact.
“The unemployment rate among the youth is alarming. The NDC secured more votes in the 2024 election because of sweet campaign promises such as the 24-hour economy, but we are not seeing the jobs they promised. Instead, they have resorted to constructing what they call 24-hour economy markets,” he said.
Tamakloe further alleged that about US$4 billion had been committed to the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy without any significant employment gains.
“They should stop the lies and focus on creating jobs for the youth. Their policies have failed to deliver the employment opportunities they promised,” he added.
His remarks were in reaction to comments by the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Gideon Boako, who cautioned that Ghana’s improving macroeconomic indicators would mean little if they did not translate into jobs for young people.
Speaking on NewsFile on Saturday, July 25, Dr Boako argued that government should not measure economic success solely by favourable fiscal and macroeconomic figures while many young people remain unemployed.
“A growing economy with unemployed youth is not growth but a factory of frustration,” Dr Boako stated, stressing that genuine economic recovery must be reflected in increased employment, higher incomes and improved living standards.
He acknowledged improvements in inflation, fiscal balances and other macroeconomic indicators but maintained that many graduates and young people continue to struggle to find meaningful employment.
By: Bernard Mensah
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