By Jessica Ahedor
In a landmark speech addressing Ghana’s future, former President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a comprehensive plan to drive youth employment and national development through technology and innovation. His vision, centered on creating a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship and tech-driven jobs, aims to position Ghana as a hub for innovation in Africa while tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment.
This ambitious plan, unveiled at the inaugural ceremony of president John Dramani Mahama in Accra, highlights a blend of strategic investments, policy reforms, and collaborative initiatives designed to empower young Ghanaians, stimulate economic growth, and prepare the country for the demands of the 21st-century global economy.
A Bold Answer to Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment in Ghana remains a significant socio-economic challenge. The latest figures from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that approximately 12.6% of the nation’s youth are unemployed, with thousands more underemployed or locked in informal and low-paying jobs. Recognizing this crisis, Mahama’s proposal represents not just an economic policy but a commitment to bridging the skills gap and equipping young Ghanaians with the tools to thrive in a tech-driven world.
“Ghana’s youth are our greatest resource, and their creativity and energy must be harnessed to drive this nation forward,” Mahama said during his address. “To tackle unemployment, we must look to the future—investing in technology, digital skills, and the innovative potential of our people.”
Key Pillars of the Plan
Mahama’s strategy revolves around three interconnected pillars: enhancing education and training, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating a supportive ecosystem for technology and innovation.
1. Transforming Education for the Digital Economy
One of the cornerstone policies in Mahama’s plan is a radical overhaul of the education system to align it with the demands of the modern economy. This includes:
• Expansion of ICT Training: Mahama plans to introduce mandatory ICT courses at all levels of education, from primary schools to tertiary institutions, with an emphasis on coding, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and data analytics.
• Partnerships with Tech Giants: The proposal includes collaborations with global technology companies like Google, Microsoft, and Huawei to provide digital training programs and affordable hardware for students.
• Establishing Tech Hubs in Schools: The creation of regional technology and innovation hubs within senior high schools and universities is central to his vision. These hubs will serve as incubators for young talent, equipping them with hands-on experience in software development, app creation, and other tech-based projects.
2. Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship
In addition to preparing young people for tech-related jobs, Mahama’s plan also focuses on creating opportunities for youth to start their own businesses. Initiatives include:
• Tech Startup Fund: A $500 million fund is proposed to provide seed capital and mentorship to young entrepreneurs. The fund aims to encourage innovation and reduce barriers to entry for startups in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and agritech.
• Simplified Business Registration: To make entrepreneurship more accessible, Mahama has pledged to streamline the business registration process and lower fees for youth-led startups.
• Market Access and Export Support: Startups will benefit from programs to connect them with local and international markets, supported by trade facilitation policies that prioritize tech products and services.
3. Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem
To complement education and entrepreneurship, Mahama envisions the development of a robust ecosystem for technology and innovation. His plan includes:
• National Innovation Hubs: The establishment of 10 state-of-the-art innovation hubs across Ghana’s regions. These hubs will serve as collaborative spaces for developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, equipped with high-speed internet, 3D printers, and advanced research tools.
• Public-Private Partnerships: The government will work closely with private-sector players to invest in broadband infrastructure, reduce internet costs, and improve connectivity in rural areas to ensure inclusivity in the tech revolution.
• Regulatory Support for Tech Growth: Mahama has pledged to introduce policies that protect intellectual property, promote tech-friendly taxation, and encourage foreign investment in Ghana’s tech sector.
A Vision Rooted in Success
Mahama’s vision is not without precedent. During his tenure as President from 2012 to 2016, he oversaw the rollout of key infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Corridor Fiber Optic Backbone, which extended internet access to underserved regions. He also launched initiatives like the Youth Enterprise Support (YES) program, which provided funding and training for young entrepreneurs.
Building on these achievements, his latest plan reflects lessons learned and a renewed focus on sustainability and scale. The former president emphasized that the private sector will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals, while the government will act as a facilitator and regulator.
Challenges Ahead
While Mahama’s plan has been lauded for its ambition, critics have raised questions about funding and execution. The $500 million Tech Startup Fund, for example, would require significant investment in an already constrained fiscal environment. Additionally, there are concerns about whether rural areas—where infrastructure gaps persist—will benefit equitably from these initiatives.
Political analysts, however, believe that Mahama’s focus on youth and innovation could resonate strongly with voters, particularly first-time voters and young professionals, as the country gears up for the 2024 elections.
Youth Voices: Hope for the Future
Ghanaian youth have expressed cautious optimism about Mahama’s proposals. For many, the promise of a thriving tech sector represents a pathway out of poverty and a chance to contribute to the nation’s development.
“I’ve always wanted to start my own tech company, but accessing capital and mentorship has been impossible,” said Kwame Osei, a 25-year-old computer science graduate. “If Mahama’s plan can make that happen, it will change lives.”
Similarly, Akosua Mensah, a university student studying robotics, said the focus on tech hubs in schools could give students like her the exposure they need to compete globally. “This is the kind of leadership we need—someone who is thinking about our future and giving us the tools to succeed.”
Conclusion
President Mahama’s plan for youth employment and technological innovation has the potential to transform Ghana’s economy, making it more dynamic, inclusive, and competitive on the global stage. However, its success will depend on political will, efficient implementation, and sustained collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners.
As Ghana stands at the crossroads of technological advancement and economic challenges, the former president’s vision offers a compelling roadmap for progress, promising to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Whether this vision becomes a reality remains to be seen, but for now, it has ignited a much-needed conversation about the future of work, innovation, and youth empowerment in Ghana.