Ghana MP Sammi Awuku demands answers on Mahama's youth employment initiatives

Ghana's Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to provide clear answers on the number of jobs created by his administration's youth employment initiatives. In an open letter to President Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Sammi Awuku questioned the effectiveness of the 24-Hour Economy and the One Million Coders Programme. He made the call ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Sammi Awuku's concerns focus on the lack of measurable results from the government's flagship youth employment initiatives. He asked how many jobs had been created under the 24-Hour Economy, which was presented during the 2024 election campaign as a major intervention to expand employment opportunities. The Akuapem North MP also demanded figures on the One Million Coders Programme, including the number of participants who had completed the initiative and secured jobs or started earning an income.

Sammi Awuku further called for an update on the government's No Fees Stress initiative, which aims to support first-year tertiary students. He asked how many students had benefited from the programme and received support in time to take up their admissions without paying academic fees upfront. The MP asserted that rising hostel fees, food prices, transport costs, and the cost of learning materials had made tertiary education increasingly expensive for students.

The rising costs of living have placed additional pressure on households, with increases in residential electricity and water tariffs. Sammi Awuku argued that improvements in economic indicators must be reflected in the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly young people seeking employment and financial independence. He emphasized that a stable economy must translate into decent jobs and improved living conditions.

Sammi Awuku's concerns are shared by many young Ghanaians who are struggling to find employment and afford education. The MP's call for transparency and accountability in the government's youth employment initiatives is timely, as the government prepares to present the 2027 Budget Statement. The budget statement is expected to provide an update on the government's economic policies and programmes, including those aimed at addressing youth unemployment.

The 24-Hour Economy and the One Million Coders Programme were introduced as part of the government's efforts to address youth unemployment and promote economic growth. However, the lack of measurable results from these initiatives has raised concerns among stakeholders, including Sammi Awuku. The MP's demand for answers on the effectiveness of these programmes is a call to action for the government to provide more transparency and accountability.

The government is expected to respond to Sammi Awuku's concerns and provide an update on its youth employment initiatives in the 2027 Budget Statement. The budget statement will provide an opportunity for the government to outline its plans and policies for addressing youth unemployment and promoting economic growth.

Key points

• Sammi Awuku demands answers on the number of jobs created by the 24-Hour Economy and the One Million Coders Programme.
• The MP calls for an update on the government's No Fees Stress initiative and its impact on first-year tertiary students.
• Sammi Awuku emphasizes the need for improvements in economic indicators to be reflected in the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.