Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has criticized the government for what he described as its poor performance in job creation and lack of commitment to addressing youth unemployment.
Speaking at the Parliament of Ghana Leaders’ Media Briefing on Wednesday, October 22, Afenyo-Markin expressed concern over the government’s decision to scrap the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, a move he said has undermined private-sector-led job creation.
“If you monitor the opportunity for jobs, we’re really getting nothing. We have not seen any serious job creation efforts. For the private sector, they came to cancel the 1D1F; they said they don’t need it. But the 1D1F was a major boost for the private sector,” he stated.
The Minority Leader lamented that the 1D1F, which was designed to stimulate industrial growth and create employment opportunities for the youth, has been discontinued without any viable replacement.
Citing Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) data indicating youth unemployment at 32 percent among those aged 15–24, Afenyo-Markin said the figures reflect the government’s inability to translate macroeconomic gains into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
He emphasized that Ghanaians are yet to witness any real commitment from the current administration toward creating sustainable jobs and improving livelihoods.
