Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reaffirmed his dedication to tackling Ghana’s pressing youth unemployment crisis. Speaking at a rally in Kpando, located in the Volta Region, he outlined his ambitious plan to create one million jobs for the country’s youth if elected as the next president of Ghana.
His approach focuses on equipping the younger generation with vital digital skills, positioning them to compete in the global economy, regardless of their educational background or prior qualifications.
During his address, Bawumia underscored that youth unemployment is one of the most urgent issues facing the country today. According to him, the key to addressing this challenge lies in providing young people with the tools and knowledge necessary to access the growing opportunities in the digital economy.
He stressed that his administration would make digital literacy and skills training accessible to all, from graduates to school dropouts, ensuring no one is left behind.
“All the youth, we need jobs,” Bawumia declared passionately to the crowd. “I am going to give one million youths digital skills in Ghana. Everybody, even if you are a school dropout, we can give you digital skills.” His message resonated deeply with the attendees, many of whom have been affected by the country’s persistent unemployment challenges.
His emphasis on inclusion, particularly for those who have not had the opportunity to complete formal education, reflects a broader vision of economic empowerment that transcends traditional boundaries.
Bawumia further explained the transformative potential of digital skills in bridging geographic and economic gaps. “You will stay in Kpando and work in America, in Germany, in Japan, in the UK, and in the US. Work right from here with your digital skills,” he told the enthusiastic crowd. His statement illustrated the potential of remote work enabled by technology, a model that has gained significant traction worldwide in recent years.
By fostering digital skills among Ghanaian youth, Bawumia believes they will be able to tap into global markets, offering services and solutions that would allow them to earn an income, regardless of their location.
The NPP flagbearer’s message comes at a time when many young Ghanaians are grappling with the effects of unemployment and underemployment, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic downturns. According to recent statistics, Ghana’s unemployment rate has been steadily rising, with youth disproportionately affected.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has noted that young people worldwide are more than three times as likely as adults to be unemployed, and in Ghana, the situation is no different. In response, Bawumia’s plan offers a glimmer of hope, especially for those in rural and underserved communities.
His focus on digital skills is not new. Over the years, Bawumia has been a staunch advocate for leveraging technology to solve Ghana’s socio-economic challenges. As vice president, he played a pivotal role in launching several digital initiatives, including mobile money interoperability, the digital address system, and the Ghana Card, aimed at formalizing the economy and improving service delivery. His track record in promoting digital transformation lends credibility to his current proposals, which build on these foundational efforts to drive widespread change.
However, while Bawumia’s plan has been met with optimism, it also raises questions about how such a large-scale initiative would be implemented. Training one million youths in digital skills will require substantial resources, infrastructure, and partnerships between the government, private sector, and educational institutions. Bawumia has acknowledged that this will not be an easy task, but he remains confident that it is achievable with the right leadership and strategic planning. He has hinted at potential collaborations with international tech companies and educational platforms to help roll out the program and ensure that participants gain practical, marketable skills.
Another critical element of Bawumia’s proposal is its potential impact on the broader economy. By providing youth with the skills to work remotely for international companies, Ghana could see a boost in foreign exchange earnings as young professionals bring in income from overseas. This, in turn, could stimulate local economies, especially in areas that have historically been marginalized or underdeveloped. Additionally, with a more digitally literate workforce, the country would be better positioned to attract foreign direct investment in tech-related sectors, further contributing to economic growth.
Despite the challenges ahead, Bawumia remains steadfast in his vision. He has repeatedly emphasized that addressing youth unemployment is not just an economic issue but a moral imperative. The youth, he argues, are the future of Ghana, and investing in their skills and potential is the most sustainable way to ensure long-term prosperity for the nation.
As the campaign season progresses, it is clear that Bawumia’s focus on digital transformation and job creation will be central to his platform. Whether his ambitious plan to create one million jobs through digital skills training will resonate with the electorate and translate into electoral success remains to be seen. However, for many young Ghanaians, his message offers hope and a pathway toward a brighter future.
Dr. Bawumia’s promise to equip the nation’s youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the global digital economy signals a bold step toward addressing Ghana’s unemployment crisis. By emphasizing inclusion and empowerment, his vision of creating a knowledge-driven workforce stands as a testament to his belief in the potential of Ghana’s youth.
