The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has pledged to create job opportunities, and empower the country’s younger generation to tackle the growing issues of unemployment.
Submitting his completed nomination forms at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down yesterday, Mr Agyapong said his government would heavily be a ‘job creation machinery’.
He said he would do a diligent job to make sure the NPP wins the 2024 general elections, if given the nod to lead the party.
“As a Member of Parliament, I have to admit the challenge of current and successive governments have been unemployment. Government, under my watch, will ensure that there’s massive job opportunities, especially for the youth. Hitting grounds, so far, I have visited 180 constituencies, and I have come to realise that we as politicians have done a disservice to the nation.
“With the arable lands, rivers, sea that God has bestowed on us, and with immeasurable opportunities…everywhere you go, especially in Volta Region, the resources there are untapped. I want Ghanaians to give me the chance and challenge me that I will turn the fortunes of this country around,” he added.
He said, as a pragmatic person who believes in practical things, “what I saw in Volta Region, Afram Plains and Northern Region, believe you me, we can change this country”.
Capitalise
He cited arable lands, for instance, pledging that he will capitalise on the commodity to generate a whole chain by cultivating millions of acres and processing industries.
“Unfortunately, we believe gold is the ultimate, but I think otherwise. I personally believe that cassava is more important than gold. Cassava is a necessity and gold is a luxury. Sugarcane is a necessity and gold is a luxury, palm is a necessity and gold is a luxury…
“We here in Ghana and Malaysia has bought Unilever Company, and import palm oil from Malaysia to manufacture Frytol oil. What is wrong with us as people? Inflation will only work if we are able to stabilise prices, and manage interest rates,” he indicated.
Action
With Ghana’s youth unemployment rate remaining a pressing concern, Mr Agyapong acknowledged the need for immediate action. He emphasized his determination to tackle this issue head-on by implementing robust policies aimed at creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and attracting foreign investments.
He pledged to leverage his expertise and network to foster an environment that would encourage local and international investors to contribute to Ghana’s economic development, ultimately resulting in an increase in job opportunities for the youth.
Citing the need for a strong and transparent governance system, he also vowed to combat corruption and ensure that public funds are judiciously allocated to key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of accountability and promised to establish stringent measures to prevent embezzlement and misuse of public resources.
Confidence
My Agyapong also proclaimed his unwavering confidence in defeating former President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming 2024 elections, if given the nod to lead the NPP.
While expressing his confidence in securing victory over former President Mahama, he acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in the election campaign. He therefore urged his supporters to remain steadfast, united, and focused on the collective goal of bringing about positive change in the country.
He also entreated citizens to change their attitude to nation-building, saying foreigners have proven to us that Ghana is not poor.
“Foreigners come here and they make money because they are discipline. Let’s be patriotic, honest and discipline in our dealings,” he added.