Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has lauded the labour, jobs and employment reforms being implemented by the government of President John Dramani Mahama, describing them as transformative measures that are restoring hope to Ghanaian workers and creating opportunities for the youth.
Speaking during an interactive engagement with party grassroots members in the North East and Upper East regions, Dr. Segbefia said the Mahama administration inherited a labour sector that was in distress but had, since assuming office in January 2025, embarked on policies aimed at rebuilding confidence and expanding employment opportunities.
According to him, before the NDC returned to office, many skilled young Ghanaians remained unemployed, public sector workers faced uncertainty, and opportunities for the informal sector were limited.
“President Mahama has focused on jobs, dignity and growth, moving from promises to practical interventions that are absorbing Ghana’s youth and rebuilding worker confidence,” Dr. Segbefia said.
He cited the government’s recruitment and regularisation of workers in the health, education, security and sanitation sectors as key achievements, noting that thousands of nurses, teachers and graduates who had been awaiting financial clearance had since received appointment letters.
Dr. Segbefia also highlighted reforms to the Youth Employment Agency, saying the programme had been restructured to prioritise skills development, apprenticeships and private sector placements instead of short-term political engagements.
He said the expanded programme now supports training in auto mechanics, agro-processing, information and communication technology (ICT), construction, fashion and green jobs, with beneficiaries receiving starter kits to establish their businesses.
The aspiring National Vice Chairman further pointed to partnerships with technology hubs to equip young people with coding, digital and data management skills for both local and remote employment opportunities.
He said government incentives under the proposed 24-hour economy policy, together with support for agro-processing industries and logistics companies, were expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for young people and women.
Dr. Segbefia also praised ongoing engagements between the government and organised labour to improve wages, protect pensions and extend social protection to workers in the informal sector, including market women, artisans, commercial drivers and gig workers.
On sports infrastructure, he argued that investments in stadiums, AstroTurfs and community sports facilities were generating employment for masons, welders, electricians, cleaners, security personnel and event managers while creating platforms to nurture sporting talent.
“Community sports facilities are not just recreational centres; they are economic hubs that create jobs, identify talent and strengthen community cohesion,” he stated.
Dr. Segbefia urged NDC grassroots supporters to mobilise young people to take advantage of government apprenticeship programmes, Youth Employment Agency placements and skills development initiatives, while documenting employment opportunities created within their communities.
He further encouraged constituency executives to use new sports facilities for community events and economic activities, saying such initiatives would promote youth development and strengthen support for the governing party.
“As a party, we solved one of the most painful problems confronting our youth—jobs and dignity. When families see their children employed or empowered to start businesses, they will remember the NDC’s contribution to improving their lives,” he said.
He called on party members to continue sharing the government’s achievements in every community, market, transport terminal and sports ground.
“NDC delivered jobs. NDC restored dignity. NDC is the party for the youth,” Dr. Segbefia concluded.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
