My fellow Ghanaian youth, do not allow yourselves to be misled by John Dramani Mahama (JDM) as he did in 2012. JDM has a history of making grand promises without delivering on them. Below, I have outlined some of the promises he made in 2012 under the theme “Youth Development” that were never fulfilled.
Youth Development: 2012 Manifesto Promises
- GHC10 Million Youth Jobs & Enterprise Development Fund
JDM promised to establish this fund under the direct supervision of the Presidency. The Job and Enterprise Centre (JEC) was to manage the fund by identifying promising business plans and ideas from young people, providing financial capital, incubation opportunities, and technical support to help them become entrepreneurs. (Failed)
- Jobs and Enterprise Centres (JEC) in All Regions
These centers were supposed to help unemployed youth and those entering the workforce by offering interview skills training, CV preparation, and business plan development. The centers were also to be equipped with internet facilities. (Failed)
- Stimulus Package for Youth Employment
A stimulus package was promised to boost youth employment, to be introduced in partnership with the private sector. (Failed)
- Youth Recreation Centres in Districts
These centers were intended to facilitate youth meetings, cultural programs, conferences, and participation in District Assemblies’ decision-making processes. (Failed)
- Refurbishment of Regional Youth Leadership Training Centres
The completion of refurbishing these centers was promised to enhance youth leadership development. (Failed)
- Expansion of the National Youth Employment Program (NYEP)
The plan was to increase recruitment under the self-employment modules of the NYEP, targeting one million youth within four years. (Failed)
Sports Development: 2012 Manifesto Promises
- Incentives for MMDAs to Establish Sports Infrastructure
JDM promised incentives for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to establish well-resourced sports and athletic infrastructure in districts to enhance youth talent development. (Failed)
- Development of Community and Institutional Sports Infrastructure
This included the development of 20 multipurpose courts in selected districts and educational institutions across the country, in partnership with Corporate Ghana and donors. (Failed) - Support for Lesser-Known Sports
- There was a commitment to developing lesser-known sports disciplines in the country. (Failed)
- Employment of Sports Development Officers
JDM promised to employ qualified technical staff as Sports Development Officers in districts to help nurture grassroots sports talents and promote sports nationally. (Failed)
