Aspiring Flagbearer for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong believes that politicians are not solely to blame for the majority of Ghana’s problems, particularly with the high rate of youth unemployment.
He acknowledged that despite holding Ghanaian politicians accountable for their promises and actions, the mindset of Ghanaians towards work is underwhelming and, has contributed to half the country’s chronic problems.
In an exclusive interview with Happy 98.9 FM’s Sefah Danquah, he said, “We don’t need to move away from the problem by blaming politicians because, for me, it’s our mindset towards work that makes up half of the country’s problems.”
Ken Agyapong also expressed deep concern over the increasing number of young people leaving Ghana in pursuit of better opportunities abroad. He empathized their predicament, citing the prolonged period of unemployment that many graduates face upon completing their education.
“The number of people, especially the youth, leaving the country currently is heartbreaking. You can’t blame them because the youth are done with school, and some have been home for several months and still have no promising job opportunities. So if someone promises them a chance to secure a visa and work abroad to start a new life, then why not?” he shared.
The prominent businessman emphasized the urgent need to create substantial job opportunities for the youth and recent graduates. He argued that by addressing this issue, Ghana could effectively reduce the brain drain phenomenon it currently faces.
“The statistical service says there is about a 13% unemployment rate annually, but I believe it’s more, and it’s sad. Because I, as a businessman with several enterprises, have received over 1000 job applications in my offices,” he added.
Kennedy Agyapong’s insightful perspective on the importance of shifting the mindset towards work and creating meaningful job opportunities for the youth highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address Ghana’s pressing issues of migration and unemployment.
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to host its Super Delegates Congress on Saturday, August 26, 2023, across the 16 regions in the country, Ken Agyapong believes that he is best suited to lead the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections to reform the country’s problems.
The party will seek to slash the 10 candidates, who passed the vetting stage, down to five in a preliminary vote before the main contest is held in November 2023 to elect a successor to President Akufo-Addo as leader of the party.