By Ashiadey Dotse
The President, John Dramani Mahama, says government will ensure that opportunities for jobs and development are spread evenly across the country—not just concentrated in big cities like Accra and Kumasi.
Speaking at the May Day parade organized by the labour unions on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Black Star Square, President Mahama stressed the importance of creating jobs for the youth and ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind due to their location.
“There are millions of young people who want to work but can’t find jobs because of a lack of opportunities. That is why I have started several job-creation programs in recent weeks,” he said.
Among these, President Mahama mentioned the 1 Million Coders Program, which has already attracted nearly 150,000 applicants. The initiative aims to train young people in digital and coding skills needed in today’s job market.
He also introduced the Adwumawura Initiative, which is expected to help young people start 10,000 new businesses each year. This programme alone is projected to create at least 20,000 decent jobs annually.
Just a day before the May Day celebration, he launched the National Apprenticeship Program, which plans to train 500,000 youth over five years in skilled trades and crafts.
“These are not isolated efforts,” Mr Mahama said. “They are part of a bigger plan to build a strong, fair, and modern economy that works for all Ghanaians.”
He promised that his government would focus on technical and vocational education and ensure that every region—north, south, east, and west—receives support in jobs, investment, and infrastructure.
“It should not be that only those in Accra or Kumasi have real chances to succeed,” he added. “We will make sure that people in places like Wa, Bole, Keta, and Drobo also have equal chances.”
President Mahama also emphasised the need for better cooperation between government, businesses, and labour unions. He said his administration would strengthen the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to lead this collaboration.
“Labour must be a co-owner of our national development plan, not just a participant,” he said. “Together, we can build a better Ghana where no one is left behind.”
