Cheap Smartphones Promise Won’t Create Sustainable Jobs for Ghanaian Youth – Former NABCO Trainees Slam Bawumia

Nana Tachie Eric, National PRO for Former NABCO Trainees, has criticized Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for prioritizing the distribution of smartphones to the youth as a means of creating sustainable job opportunities.

According to Tachie, the promise made by Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to credit smartphones to Ghanaian youth for a monthly instalment payment of 1 to 2 GHC is a “lazy” approach to addressing youth unemployment.

He urged Dr Bawumia to stop making empty promises and focus on creating sustainable jobs and finding solutions to the economic challenges he has contributed to. Tachie highlighted that Ghana’s economy is at a critical juncture, characterized by soaring unemployment and weakened economic conditions, necessitating urgent intervention.

Despite the untold economic hardship in the country, Vice President Bawumia persists in making empty promises, touting mobile phones as a solution, which Tachie views as a clear misalignment with the country’s pressing needs.

“We, the former NABCO trainees, are privy to the stark reality of unfulfilled promises, having been left in limbo with unpaid allowances and an uncertain future,” he lamented.

Tachie emphasized that the NABCO program, initially hailed as a solution for unemployment, has failed to deliver on its promises, exacerbating the crisis. He pointed out that Ghana’s unemployment rate continues to skyrocket, with thousands of graduates entering the job market annually, only to face bleak prospects.

“As the head of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia must prioritize policies that foster sustainable job creation, stimulate economic growth, and address the unemployment crisis.”

He indicated that John Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy is a step in the right direction, unlike the mobile phone policy, which is not a pressing issue in Ghana currently.

“We demand concrete action, not empty promises. Dr. Bawumia, we urge you to:

Pay outstanding allowances to NABCO trainees forthwith.
Develop a comprehensive plan to create sustainable jobs, leveraging innovative strategies.
Invest in education and skills development to prepare young Ghanaians for the job market.
Foster a business-friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Tachie reiterated that the time for empty promises is over; it’s time for decisive action and not the politics of deceit and lies.

“We, the youth, are the future of this great nation, and we demand a better future. Dr. Bawumia, prioritize our welfare, and let’s build a prosperous Ghana for all, rather than perpetuating whimsical and capricious promises that fail to address our pressing challenges as a nation,” he said.

By Lawrence Odoom