Former President, John Mahama says if he is elected as President on December 7, 2024, his next government will explore alternatives to the contentious betting tax.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with some youth in Accra on Monday, Mr Mahama emphasised his commitment to tackling key issues affecting Ghanaians.

As part of his campaign strategy for the upcoming elections, Mr Mahama reiterated his vow to abolish both the Electronic  Transaction Levy (E-Levy) and the tax on betting winnings if elected.

He criticised the E-Levy for not meeting its revenue targets and for imposing unnecessary financial strain on citizens.

Graphic Online's Kester Aburam Korankye reports that the former President made a commitment to the youth that he will create abundant job opportunities that will meet their diverse needs and aspirations.

Launching the 2024 Youth Manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Accra on Monday, Mr Mahama declared: "We will create the jobs that young people have been waiting for, and when the jobs are created, no one will be left behind".

Mr Mahama, who hopes to capitalise on the votes of the youth to return to the presidency, said with a focus on inclusivity and equal access, the next NDC government would address the pressing concerns of unemployment, underemployment and skills mismatch that had for long plagued the youth of the country.

He said the next NDC government would set the foundation for the youth of the country to thrive, emphasising the importance of youth empowerment and participation in the country's development.

“As we celebrate young people’s contribution to leveraging digital tools for positive change, I am proud to reaffirm our pledge, the Mahama and Naana supporting digital startups and incubation hubs, and training one million young Ghanaians in coding,” the former President said.

He said the coding initiative was captured in the NDC’s 2020 manifesto document, and that any replication of such anywhere must have been copied from the party.

“And if you want to know who has plagiarised who, go to the NDC 2020 manifesto and look at page 88 and you see the million coders programme there,” Mr Mahama said.

He further highlighted the role of the 24-hour economy policy as a prospective catalyst that would expand the frontiers of job opportunities for the people.

“Additionally, we will invest the equivalent of $3 billion in collaboration with the private sector to build a vibrant technology and fintech industry that will create jobs and boost economic growth in Ghana.

“The 24-hour economy policy we will implement in 2025 is a game-changer that will open new job markets, foster entrepreneurship and drive innovation,” he stated.

Gathering

The launch of the youth manifesto was a vibrant and energetic event, filled with passionate speeches by eloquent youth.

Some of the youth cheering up John Dramani Mahama

Held at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the programme began with a teaser of the NDC youth anthem.

It was attended by several high-profile party members, including the party’s running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.

Other notable attendees were the National Youth Organiser, George Opare Addo; Deputy National Youth Organiser, Ruth Dela Sedoh, and various parliamentary candidates, party executive and youth leaders from across Jane administration’s pledge, to upscale digital skills and training for Ghanaian youth.

We envision a future where every young Ghanaian has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age. And that is why we are committed to the country.

The event also drew a large crowd of enthusiastic young people, who were presented with the party's plans for their future in the NDC's youth-focused agenda.

The manifesto's key highlights were presented in two segments, with speakers addressing various themes such as youth entrepreneurship, education, health care and political inclusion.

The presentations were complemented with a video documentary titled “Voices of the Future”, with a dance interlude sparking   excitement among the youth.

Mr Opare Addo expressed the resolve of the youth in the party to ensure they secure power in the December election.

The National Youth Organiser vowed that the party would not allow a repeat of the violent incidents that marred the 2020 elections, particularly in the Techiman South Constituency where eight people died from gunshots during the vote compilation process.

Emphasising the NDC's unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect Ghana's democracy, Mr Opare Addo reaffirmed the party's dedication to a peaceful and fair electoral process in December this year.

He positioned the NDC as a champion of democratic principles, highlighting its role as a guardian of Ghana's democratic traditions and a defender of citizens' rights.

“The NDC is law-abiding. The NDC will do everything because we are the midwives of Ghana’s democracy. We will do everything to protect the democracy,” he said, warning, however, that sympathisers of the party “shall not become the victims of peace.” He added that the NDC “shall not foment trouble anywhere. But Techiman South will not repeat itself”.

Young speakers

A diverse group of young people took to the stage to share their perspectives on various themes of considerable interest to the younger generation.

Edmond Kombat, an advocate for youth empowerment, spoke on the critical need for youth entrepreneurship and skills development, highlighting the importance of equipping young people with the skills and resources required to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.

Lamis Mavis Apeliba, a young leader, addressed questions on the 24-hour economy policy, employment and jobs for young people, while Dr Sodzi Sodzi Tetteh, a medical professional and youth activist, shed light on the challenges facing health care for young people, stressing the importance of accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services that addressed the specific health needs of young people.

A departing performance by Kula, a University of Ghana artiste, brought the event to a close.