Accra: President John Dramani Mahama, during his address at the National May Day Parade at Blackstar Square, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling the illegal mining issue, commonly known as galamsey. He acknowledged the complexity of the challenge, noting that he never promised to resolve it within a mere four months during his presidential campaign. However, he reassured the public that the efforts of the Armed Forces and security services would persist in combating those responsible for environmental destruction.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama highlighted several flagship initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth. Among these is the One Million Coders Programme, which has attracted nearly 150,000 applicants eager to gain expertise in coding and digital skills. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to equip young Ghanaians with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Additionally, President Mahama launched the Adwumawura initiative, targeting the establishment of 10,000 new businesses annually, with a focus on youth empowerment. This program is expected to generate at least 20,000 decent jobs each year. Complementing these efforts, the National Apprenticeship Programme aims to train 500,000 young individuals in artisanal skills over five years.
The President emphasized that these initiatives are interconnected elements of a larger vision to build a resilient and inclusive Ghanaian economy. By investing in technical and vocational education and aligning education with labor market needs, the government aims to equip citizens not just to survive, but to excel.
President Mahama also underscored his administration’s dedication to decentralizing opportunities across the country, ensuring that prosperity is not confined to urban centers like Accra or Kumasi. The goal is to bring investment, jobs, and infrastructure to all regions, providing every Ghanaian worker with a fair chance to build a meaningful life.
He highlighted the importance of involving labor in the national reset agenda and promised to strengthen the relationship between the government and organized labor through regular dialogue. The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborations among government, business, and labor to address grievances and shape inclusive policies.
In his remarks, Mr. Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress, congratulated President Mahama on his electoral victory, expressing confidence in his leadership. He reiterated the significance of this year’s May Day theme, “Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana – The Role of Stakeholders,” as a call for transformative change in valuing labor and shaping the future of work and welfare in Ghana.
