New Patriotic Party communications team member Dr. Samuel Akonga has called on the government to prioritize industrialization and job creation, arguing that Ghana’s long-term economic challenges cannot be solved through public-sector employment alone.
Speaking on Dreamz FM’s Breakfast Today program, Dr Akonga said governments must focus on creating an enabling environment for private sector growth through affordable credit, infrastructure development and investment-friendly policies.
He maintained that unemployment remains one of the country’s biggest challenges and warned that many young Ghanaians would continue seeking opportunities abroad unless sustainable jobs are created locally.
Dr Akonga urged the government to review the country’s educational curriculum to better align with emerging sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence and the green economy.
He also criticized the government’s proposed 24-hour economy initiative, describing it as a misplaced priority at a time when several hospital projects under the Agenda 111 program remain incomplete.
According to him, completing healthcare infrastructure projects would have a more immediate impact on citizens’ welfare than investing in new market facilities.
Dr Akonga further advocated stronger local participation in the mining sector, proposing that mining companies reserve a significant share of employment opportunities for residents in host communities.
He said deliberate industrialization and responsible management of Ghana’s natural resources would help reduce unemployment and promote inclusive economic growth.
