The Minority has criticised the government’s New Economy programme, arguing that its employment promises are largely long-term and will do little to address the immediate demand for jobs among unemployed Ghanaians.
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, said the programme had failed to provide clear employment opportunities for 2027 and 2028, with several major projects expected to deliver results only towards 2030.
Speaking at a press conference on the 2027 Budget on Friday, November 13, he said young people struggling to find work could not afford to wait several more years for the government’s economic interventions to create employment.
“The New Economy will not provide jobs in 2027, it will not provide jobs in 2028, it is promising jobs in 2030. Ghanaians want jobs now,” he said.
Dr Amin Adam cited the timelines for major projects under the programme, including the Pwalugu Dam, thermal power generation expansion, oil palm cultivation and garment factories, as evidence that the expected employment gains would take time to materialise.
He noted that the first phase of the Pwalugu project was expected in early 2029, while the thermal plant expansion would be delivered in phases between 2028 and 2030.
The Minority said the government must present more immediate and measurable employment interventions instead of relying on projects whose benefits are expected several years into the future.