The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the government to provide clear, actionable details regarding the implementation of its proposed 24-hour economy policy, particularly the initiative aimed at creating one job per shift.
Speaking at a leaders’ media briefing, Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned the government’s genuine commitment to delivering on its employment promises, emphasizing that mounting concerns over youth unemployment require concrete solutions rather than vague declarations.
To underscore the urgency of the situation, the Minority Leader cited alarming data from the Ghana Statistical Service, which reveals that youth unemployment among persons aged 15 to 24 currently stands at 32.4 per cent.
Addressing journalists, Mr Afenyo-Markin demanded explicit clarification on the specific state institutions tasked with executing the policy, along with the practical measures being put in place to ensure sustainable job creation.
He further indicated that the Minority caucus would subject the upcoming 2027 Budget to intense scrutiny to determine whether the administration has allocated adequate financial resources and concrete commitments towards tackling the national unemployment crisis.
Drawing parallels to the previous One District, One Factory initiative, the Effutu lawmaker argued that policy promises cannot succeed without targeted backing for the private sector. He maintained that private enterprises require robust government support—specifically incentives targeting raw material procurement, machinery acquisition, and an uninterrupted electricity supply—if they are to expand operations and generate meaningful employment.
Mr Afenyo-Markin concluded by stressing that only realistic, pragmatic economic strategies paired with an enabling business climate will effectively curb youth unemployment and drive sustainable economic growth across the country.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana