‘1 in 2 Youth Jobless in Accra’ – Awuku Slams SONA

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region , Sammi Awuku, has questioned claims by John Dramani Mahama that his government has created one million jobs, arguing that official data shows youth unemployment remains alarmingly high.

Contributing to the debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament under Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator said the government’s own statistics contradict the job creation figures announced by the President.

According to Mr. Awuku, data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicates that only about 330,000 jobs have been created, raising questions about the President’s claim of one million jobs.

“Mr. Speaker, 330,000 jobs cannot be the same as one million jobs created. Either the President’s statement was inaccurate or the government statistician has misinformed the Ghanaian people,” he told the House.

The MP further revealed that youth unemployment remains particularly severe in the Greater Accra Region, where 49.3 percent of young people are unemployed, according to recent statistics.

“What this means is that one in every two young people in our capital city remains jobless,” he said.

Mr. Awuku added that nearly 1.95 million young Ghanaians aged between 15 and 35 are still outside the employment bracket, warning that the figures highlight the urgent need for concrete job creation policies.

Delivery Gap in Government Promises

Beyond unemployment, the MP said his assessment of government commitments revealed a significant gap between promises and implementation.

According to him, out of 112 commitments announced by the government in 2025 and reiterated in the President’s address, only 38 percent have been fulfilled, while 62 percent remain unimplemented.

“Confidence in delivery must be backed by evidence and results on the ground,” he noted.

‘Move Beyond Slogans’

Mr. Awuku urged the government to move beyond slogans and focus on practical economic solutions.

“We must move beyond the slogans and the social media governance that create the impression that everything is well, while the youth remain unemployed,” he said.

Cost of Living Still Biting

The MP also argued that improved macroeconomic indicators highlighted in the President’s address have not translated into relief for ordinary Ghanaians.

He said traders in markets such as Mandela Market and Adawso Market remain more concerned about rising prices and purchasing power than macroeconomic statistics.

“I cannot go to my constituents and speak about micro and macroeconomic indicators when they are not feeling it in their pockets,” he said.

24-Hour Economy Yet to Materialise

Mr. Awuku also questioned the progress of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, noting that although it was a key campaign promise, it has yet to be fully implemented.

“As we speak today, the only honest statement in the President’s address is that they ‘aim’ to deliver the 24-hour economy,” he said.

Cocoa Farmers’ Concerns

The Akuapem North MP further conveyed the concerns of cocoa farmers, saying many continue to face economic hardship despite their vital role in the country’s economy.

According to him, some farmers he recently visited said they were struggling to meet basic living needs despite producing one of Ghana’s major export commodities.

He therefore urged the government to ensure that economic recovery is felt in the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

“Economic progress must be reflected in the pockets of the people, not just in reports and statistics,” he added.

 

 

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