The National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth department recently unveiled a dynamic section of the party’s manifesto at the University for Professional Studies-Accra (UPS-A), marking the occasion with a celebration of International Youth Day.
Led by national organizer George Opare Addo, the event showcased innovative ideas and future perspectives outlined in the policy document.
Prominent figures within the party, including flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, running mate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi, and other key members, graced the occasion.
The launch captured the attention of viewers across various platforms through live television broadcasts, radio simulcasts, and online streaming.
Key areas highlighted during the extensive program encompassed education, mining, healthcare, women’s issues, and employment, each accompanied by proposed strategies for advancement.
Among the policies unveiled was Mr. Mahama’s flagship ’24-hour economy’ initiative, the establishment of a Women’s Bank to cater exclusively to women entrepreneurs, and the introduction of the One Million Coders Programme intended to train youths in coding, programming, web development, and app creation through collaborative initiatives.
In underlining the ’24-hour economy’ concept, Mr. Mahama and several youth speakers emphasized its potential to create widespread employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Mr. Mahama later engaged in a town hall meeting at Bukom Arena Square with a segment of the youth, where he reiterated the policy’s goal of stimulating economic activity round the clock to foster increased job prospects and boost productivity across sectors.
“We are committed to providing a conducive environment for the youth to excel and laying a strong foundation for the prosperity of all Ghanaians, not just a select few,” affirmed Mr. Mahama, underlining the plan’s objective of leveraging opportunities in the ICT sector through skills development partnerships to empower up to one million young coders.
Mr. Mahama also presented plans for enhancing educational access at all levels, reinforcing the healthcare system, and generating sustainable, quality employment opportunities.
The party announced intentions to eliminate first-year academic facility fees at public universities, citing a broader set of reforms aimed at enhancing accessibility to higher education, with a particular focus on students from economically marginalized backgrounds.
Furthermore, the NDC unveiled the ‘Adwumawura’ program, targeting the creation, monitoring, and mentorship of 10,000 youth-founded businesses annually through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Authority.
The initiative also includes the proposal for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certificate/Step Up Certificate, where artisans would undergo assessments based on industry standards to receive formal recognition.
Vowing to address accommodation challenges in tertiary institutions, the NDC expressed plans to collaborate with the private sector to construct additional hostels, while also committing to abolishing the burdensome betting tax and the controversial electronic levy (e-levy) imposed by the current administration.
Additionally, the party outlined a vision to establish a dedicated Youth Development Ministry to exclusively focus on empowering youth, separate from the existing Sports Ministry, and reintroduce the Students Loan Trust Fund Plus to assist financially challenged students upon admission to tertiary institutions.
Notable promises include reducing data costs, providing free Wi-Fi access in schools nationwide, and advancing policies to support the creative arts sector.
National Youth Organizer George Opare Addo underscored past adversities faced by the party, directing criticism at the NPP and its affiliates for pursuing partisan interests under the guise of religious, civil society, and media affiliations.
He highlighted the need for accountability and asserted the youth’s determination to reclaim their future.
“With our dignity compromised and our future jeopardized, we will actively work towards holding them accountable for our plight,” proclaimed Opare Addo, reflecting on a perceived shift in public sentiment regarding past injustices faced by the pro-NDC. Renowned movie producer and actress Kafui Danku.