In a fiery exchange of political rhetoric, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has launched scathing criticisms against the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama.
Mustapha’s remarks come in response to Mahama’s recent announcement to separate the Youth and Sports Ministry, aiming to address the needs of Ghana’s youth if elected in the upcoming December polls.
Mahama’s proposal, unveiled during the NDC’s National Youth Wing Secretariat and Campaign event on Friday, March 29, 2024, outlines a comprehensive strategy to revamp the ministry. His vision emphasizes shifting the focus from sports-centric initiatives to a more holistic approach encompassing youth development across all sectors of the economy.
Central to this plan is the establishment of a dedicated youth development service aimed at generating job opportunities and supporting his ambitious 24-hour economy initiative.
However, Mustapha swiftly rebuffed Mahama’s proposal, labeling it as “misguided” and indicative of a fundamental misunderstanding of the complexities surrounding youth unemployment.
The NPP youth organizer argued vehemently against the decoupling of the Youth from the Sports Ministry, asserting that sports play a pivotal role in nurturing and empowering young individuals.
He stated, “His proposed solution to youth employment by decoupling the ministry of youth and sports is not only misguided but also highlights his lack of understanding of the complexities of the issue. For the avoidance of doubt, sports is the means to develop young people. How then can you take away the very critical vehicle to the ministry and claim to be solving the problem?”
Moreover, Mustapha seized upon Mahama’s past statements regarding reducing the size of government ministries, juxtaposing them against his current pledge to create more. This apparent contradiction, according to Mustapha, underscores Mahama’s inconsistency and lack of a coherent strategy to tackle youth unemployment.
He remarked, “Is it the same John Mahama that is promising to reduce the number of ministries now promising to create more?… No wonder under his presidency Ghana had the Association of Unemployed Graduates.”
Drawing comparisons between Mahama’s tenure and the current Akufo Addo-Bawumia administration, Mustapha accused Mahama of presiding over an “abysmal” track record on employment. He stated, “Mr. Mahama has no solution to youth unemployment menace in the country.”
The exchange between the two political figures underscores broader policy debates within Ghanaian politics regarding the most effective strategies for addressing youth unemployment and fostering youth development. While Mahama advocates for a restructured ministry with a broader focus, Mustapha contends that sports should remain central to youth empowerment efforts.
As the December polls draw nearer, the clash of ideologies between the NPP and NDC intensifies, with each party vying to present itself as the champion of Ghana’s youth and their aspirations for a brighter future.
By Noble Crosby Annan