With the 2024 general elections just around the corner, many Ghanaian youth are paying close attention, but not all are excited. Ghanaian youth, who make up about 57% of the country’s population, are a powerful group of voters whose concerns are often overlooked by political leaders.
So, what exactly is on their minds as the nation gears up for the polls? Metro TV’s Habibatu Hameed analyzed 5 key concerns of Ghanaian youth in the December 7 polls.
- Unemployment and Job Creation
One of the major concerns of every Ghanaian youth is the lack of employment opportunities. According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service, the unemployment rate among young people is about 19.7%. Many young university graduates entering the workforce for the first time are left frustrated by the limited opportunities available.
Speaking to Kwame Akakpo, a recent graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he tells me that on Saturday, he will be voting for a leader who can create jobs for the youth because many of them have completed school but are unable to get employment.
- Illegal Mining
Another social issue that has become a major concern among Ghanaian youth and will be a determining factor for many in this election is the issue of illegal mining.
Illegal mining, colloquially termed galamsey, has rapidly contaminated water bodies such as Pra, Oti, and Offin, degraded lands, and put the health of some Ghanaians at risk, with some even losing their lives.
In October this year, thousands of Ghanaian youth participated in the #StopGalamseyNow protest in Accra to register their dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts, which saw some of them getting arrested.
To these people, this election will be about how protected our water bodies are and how safe our food is.
- High Cost of Living
The cost of living in Ghana continues to rise, and this has become a major concern for the Ghanaian youth. The rising inflation and economic hardship deeply affect young voters who find it difficult to afford basic life necessities.
From high transport fares to increasing food prices, making ends meet has become a struggle for many.
This economic challenge has left many demanding leadership that will prioritize their financial stability and affordability.
- Corruption
Corruption in politics is a long-standing issue that Ghanaians have grown tired of, and the youth are no exception.
A recent Afrobarometer survey report revealed that 82% of Ghanaians believe corruption has increased over the last year.
According to Nana Yaa, a digital marketing trainee in Kumasi, when young people like her see politicians using state resources for their selfish gain, they get discouraged.
Many believe that addressing corruption could solve problems like poor infrastructure and unemployment, which have become increasingly popular in the country.
- Representation and Inclusion
Beyond jobs and social issues, the youth of Ghana want to be represented. They have become increasingly vocal about the need for youth representation in the decision-making process. They want leaders who will listen to their opinions and hear their concerns, not just during campaign seasons but throughout their tenure.
While the NPP is pledging to involve more youth in governance and leadership roles, the NDC has promised to set up a youth ministry to address the concerns of the youth.
Conclusion
With the 2024 election 5 days away, the concerns of the youth of Ghana have become very clear. Social issues such as illegal mining and unemployment are some of the top concerns on the minds of young Ghanaians who think the government is doing a poor job of managing the economy.
Most of them say the country is headed in the “wrong direction, with a few still optimistic that things will soon change.
By: Habibatu Hameed
Have a news story, press release, or opinion piece you’d like to share with our audience? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at editor@metrotvonline.com
