Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has blamed the country’s growing unemployment on what he describes as the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s poor governance during its time in office.
Speaking to party supporters at Offinso in the Offinso South Constituency, Dr. Prempeh criticized the Mahama-led administration for failing to create sustainable jobs, stating that responsible governments implement policies that benefit all citizens.
“If the NDC had prioritized job creation, we wouldn’t be facing this situation where many youths are struggling to find employment,” he said.
Dr. Prempeh highlighted the current administration’s achievements, specifically in the cocoa sector.
He noted that cocoa prices had significantly risen under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, comparing the price of a bag of cocoa when Nana Addo took office to current figures.
“When Nana Addo took office, a bag of cocoa sold for GHC 475, which could only buy 23 bags of cement. Today, a bag of cocoa sells for GHC 3,000 and can purchase 34 bags of cement. If you’re not satisfied with this progress, what more do you want?” he asked.
He added that under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, about 2.3 million people have been employed.
The former Energy Minister contrasted this with former President Mahama’s comments on employment, claiming that Mahama admitted he could not hire more people due to high public sector wages.
“Mahama said he wouldn’t hire anyone because of the high wage bill, stating that he wasn’t a magician. If he wasn’t a magician back then, how can he be one now?” Dr. Prempeh questioned.
He also emphasized the NPP government’s key initiatives, such as the Agenda 111 hospital project, nursing and teaching sponsorship programs, and expanded employment opportunities.
“This government has prioritized education, health, and job creation. From sponsoring your children’s education in nursing and teaching to building Agenda 111 hospitals, we are creating jobs for nurses, doctors, and ensuring quality healthcare for all,” he said.
In a pointed criticism, Dr. Prempeh claimed that Mahama’s administration would focus on building mortuaries instead of hospitals.
“He (Mahama) won’t build hospitals. Instead, he promised to establish mortuaries in Zongo communities,” Dr. Prempeh remarked, reinforcing his argument for why voters should support the NPP in the upcoming elections.