During the manifesto launch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the ruling party made a bold claim that has since sparked widespread debate and skepticism. The NPP, in its presentation, asserted that it had created 21 million jobs since coming to power. This figure, which was meant to showcase the government’s commitment to reducing unemployment and boosting the economy, has been met with sharp criticism from various quarters, including the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In the Bono Region, the NDC Communication Officer, Mr. Charles Akowuah, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of this claim. In a series of statements to the press and during public engagements, Mr. Akowuah has questioned the veracity of the NPP’s figures, demanding clarity and transparency on how such a monumental number of jobs could have been created.
Mr. Akowuah’s critique centers around the practicality and plausibility of the NPP’s job creation figures. He argues that if such a vast number of jobs had indeed been created, the impact would be evident across the country, particularly in regions like Bono. According to Mr. Akowuah, the reality on the ground paints a different picture, with many young people still struggling to find employment or secure stable livelihoods.
“Where are the jobs?” Mr. Akowuah has repeatedly asked. “If 21 million jobs have been created, why do we still see so many unemployed youth in our communities? Why are the markets not bustling with new businesses and enterprises? The NPP needs to provide tangible evidence of these jobs, not just numbers on paper.”
The NPP’s claim of creating 21 million jobs has not only been questioned by the NDC but also by several independent analysts and civil society organizations. Critics argue that the figure is either grossly inflated or includes temporary, part-time, or informal sector jobs that do not provide sustainable income or benefits to workers.
In response to these criticisms, the NPP has maintained that its job creation efforts have been comprehensive, spanning various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services. They point to initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs program, One District One Factory, and the expansion of the public sector as evidence of their success.
However, Mr. Akowuah and others have countered that while these initiatives may have created some employment opportunities, they fall far short of the 21 million figure. Moreover, the quality and sustainability of these jobs remain in question. The Bono NDC Communication Officer has called for an independent audit of the NPP’s job creation claims, urging the government to provide a detailed breakdown of the types of jobs created, the sectors they belong to, and their duration.
For the people of the Bono Region, the debate over job creation is not just a matter of political rhetoric; it has real implications for their daily lives. Unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains a pressing issue in the region. Many young people have resorted to migrating to urban centers in search of better opportunities, often with little success.
Mr. Akowuah has emphasized that the government’s job creation policies have not significantly benefited the Bono Region, which he describes as being left behind in the national development agenda. He has called on the government to focus on region-specific interventions that address the unique challenges facing Bono’s economy, such as the need for infrastructure development, support for local businesses, and skills training programs for the youth.
The NPP’s job creation claim is likely to be a significant point of contention in the upcoming elections. The NDC, with figures like Mr. Akowuah leading the charge, is expected to continue questioning the credibility of the government’s economic achievements, using the perceived disparity between the official figures and the lived reality of Ghanaians as a key campaign issue.
As the political discourse intensifies, the demand for accountability and transparency in government reporting will likely grow. For Mr. Akowuah and the Bono NDC, the issue of job creation is not just about numbers but about the tangible impact on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The question “Where are the jobs?” resonates with many who feel left out of the supposed economic gains made under the current administration.
The versatile politician asserted that, Ghanaians are discerning now, and making baseless and deceitful claims will not sell in the intellect of Ghanaians. However he dared the NPP to proof where their jobs are and who the beneficiaries are considering the large number of unemployed Ghanaian youth including even trained professionals like teachers and health professionals.
