President John Dramani Mahama yesterday outlined a comprehensive plan to address youth unemployment and education for national development.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Parliament, he said youth  unemployment remained Ghana’s most pressing challenge, warning that it posed a serious national security threat.

“The high rate of youth unemployment has led to despair and frustration, creating a major security risk. This demands urgent action,” he stated.

President Mahama said he established the Ministry of Youth Development to spearhead job creation initiatives, and provide skills training for young Ghanaians.

He also introduced a national apprenticeship programme targeting at least 10,000 young people in the informal sector, equipping them with employable skills and startup support.

President Mahama revealed plans to reform the operation of commercial motorbikes, commonly known as ‘Okada’, providing riders with road safety training, financial literacy, and digital skills. He also announced a hire-purchase scheme to facilitate the acquisition of motorbikes, including the introduction of electric motorcycles to reduce fuel costs and increase profitability. 

On education, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining and improving the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, refuting claims that he intended to cancel the programme.

“Once again, for emphasis and for the record, I, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I am determined to make it better by improving its implementation,” he said.

He also announced plans to phase out the Double Track system by expanding school infrastructure and completing stalled projects. According to him, government would enhance the quality of school feeding programmes and decentralise food procurement to ensure efficiency.

He added that a new curriculum for senior high technical schools and STEM institutions would also be fully implemented this year, while the government would establish STEM and vocational schools in underserved communities.

President Mahama further disclosed plans to provide scholarships for students in deprived areas and increase resources for the Islamic Education Unit. To incentivise teachers, he announced a 30% allowance for educators who agree to work in rural areas, ensuring quality education beyond urban centres.