Mahama Outlines Bold Plans to Address Youth Unemployment, Education

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KEY POINTS

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• Mahama introduced a National Apprenticeship Programme to train 10,000 young Ghanaians.
• The Free SHS policy will not be canceled, with plans to improve its implementation.
• The National Economic Dialogue aims to unite stakeholders on economic recovery plans.

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President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to combat youth unemployment and enhance education in Ghana.

Speaking at the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on February 27, 2025, Mahama stressed that the rising joblessness among young people poses a major national security threat.

“The high rate of youth unemployment has led to despair and frustration, creating a major security risk. This demands urgent action,” Mahama stated.

To address this crisis, he announced the creation of the Ministry of Youth Development, which will focus on job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support.

The government is also introducing a National Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at training at least 10,000 young people in technical skills and providing startup support to help them enter the workforce.

According to Graphic Online, Mahama also announced reforms for Okada operations, introducing a hire-purchase scheme to help commercial motorbike riders acquire vehicles legally.

The initiative includes safety training, financial literacy, and digital skills to ensure responsible and profitable operations.

Education reforms and improved learning conditions

On education, Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, refuting claims that his administration plans to cancel the program.

“Once again, for emphasis and for the record, I, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I am determined to make it better by improving its implementation,” he declared.

Key reforms include the phasing out of the Double Track system, which will be achieved through expanding school infrastructure and completing stalled projects.

Also, to improve school feeding, the government will decentralize food procurement to enhance efficiency.

Mahama also outlined plans to fully implement a new curriculum for technical and STEM schools, ensuring that Ghanaian students receive training that aligns with modern job market demands.

The government is also committed to establishing STEM and vocational schools in underserved communities.

Furthermore, to support teachers, Mahama introduced a 30 percent allowance for educators willing to work in rural areas, ensuring that quality education reaches all parts of the country.

National Economic Dialogue to drive economic recovery

Mahama also invited the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to participate in the upcoming National Economic Dialogue, scheduled for March 3-4, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The event, themed “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together,” aims to foster a national consensus on strategies for economic recovery.

Mahama expressed his hope that the opposition will engage in constructive discussions, unlike previous boycotts.

“It is my hope that our colleagues on the other side will participate, unlike the boycott of the Senchi Forum,” he said.

Private sector leaders, policymakers, economists and, civil society organizations will participate in the dialogue to create operational strategies for Ghana’s economic development.