Clement Opoku Gyamfi, former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to urgently address youth unemployment, implementation delays of the 24-Hour Economy policy, and worsening electricity supply nationwide. Mr. Opoku Gyamfi highlighted these concerns in an open letter to the President, shared across social media platforms.
He emphasized that many young Ghanaians, who participated in the 2024 elections, are awaiting the fulfillment of major economic promises made by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The former DCE stated that these campaign promises formed a "social contract" between the government and the youth. He specifically questioned the progress of the "1-3-3" formula, a policy projected to create jobs in the formal sector.
Ghana's youth unemployment rate remains a significant concern, contributing to potential social and security risks. The World Bank reported Ghana's youth unemployment at 13.9% in 2021, a figure that continues to strain the nation's economic landscape. Persistent challenges in job creation and economic growth impede the absorption of young graduates into the formal sector. The government's 24-Hour Economy initiative was intended to boost economic activity and create night-time employment, but its delayed rollout raises questions about its projected impact.
Mr. Opoku Gyamfi explicitly asked, "What is the status of the 1-3-3 formula, which was intended to create more jobs in the formal sector?" He added, "After sixteen months in office, what is the status of the coveted 24-Hour Economy?" These questions underscore public demand for accountability regarding electoral pledges, particularly those impacting youth livelihoods.
Beyond employment concerns, the former DCE also expressed frustration over Ghana's unstable electricity supply, commonly known as 'dumsor'. He noted that recurring power outages are negatively affecting businesses, households, and overall livelihoods. The Private Enterprise Federation has consistently warned that power fluctuations increase operational costs for businesses and deter foreign investment. Frequent 'dumsor' periods can reduce national productivity by disrupting manufacturing, retail, and service sectors.
Mr. Opoku Gyamfi asserted that Ghanaians expect practical solutions to the power crisis, not just official explanations. He stated, "While we await results for the issues raised above, it needs stating that the erratic power situation in parts of the country is a matter that must be treated with all the urgency it deserves." He added, "No one wants dumsor but it appears dumsor is here." Consumers paying higher electricity tariffs expect stable and uninterrupted power supply, underpinning economic stability.
The current unreliability of electricity supply poses a direct threat to small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of Ghana's economy. These businesses often lack the resources to invest in alternative power sources like generators, leading to significant revenue losses during outages. Electricity remains crucial for productivity and daily life. Untimely power disruptions undermine business confidence and household budgets, adding pressure on the government to stabilize the energy sector.
The open letter from Mr. Opoku Gyamfi amplifies a growing public debate over the government's economic performance and policy implementation sixteen months into its term. Decision-makers will closely monitor these concerns, as they could influence public opinion and market sentiment. Addressing these issues remains crucial for maintaining economic stability and fostering investor confidence in Ghana's future.