By Nana Asare Baffour
In recent times, the political discourse in Ghana has taken a sharp turn, with significant proposals being presented to the youth by the two leading figures in the political landscape. Among the most notable is the stark contrast between the plans of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, and those of former President John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Bawumia, known for his forward-thinking and technology-driven approach, has embarked on an ambitious programme aimed at equipping the youth with crucial Information Technology (IT) skills. His initiative to train over a million young Ghanaians in IT is not just a proposal but a transformative vision for the future of our nation. In an era where digital literacy is rapidly becoming a prerequisite for economic advancement, Dr. Bawumia’s initiative positions Ghanaian youth at the forefront of the global digital economy.
This programme is designed to empower the youth with skills in areas such as coding, cybersecurity, data science, and digital marketing. These are not just buzzwords; they represent the future of work, where opportunities are increasingly dependent on technological proficiency. By investing in these skills, Dr. Bawumia is not only preparing the youth for local opportunities but also equipping them to compete equitably on the global stage.
On the other hand, former President John Mahama has proposed the opening of a 24-hour nightclub for the youth. This proposal, while possibly well-intentioned, seems to miss the mark in addressing the pressing needs of our young people. While social and recreational activities are important, they should not be prioritised over education and skill development, especially in a country where youth unemployment is a significant challenge.
The contrast between these two proposals is disheartening. On one side, we have a leader focused on building the intellectual and professional capacity of the youth, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. On the other side, we have a proposal that seems to prioritise entertainment over empowerment, leisure over learning.
It is disappointing that Mr Mahama, with all his experience, would propose a 24-hour nightclub as a solution for the youth. This approach does little to address the underlying issues of unemployment, underemployment, and the need for skills development among young Ghanaians. Instead of following populist ideals and seeking to create avenues that might distract from the critical task of nation-building, our leaders should be focusing on initiatives that empower the youth to be productive, innovative, and self-reliant.
The youth of Ghana deserve more. They deserve leadership that sees beyond the present and prepares them for the future. Dr. Bawumia’s IT skills training programme is evidence to what visionary leadership can achieve. It is a programme that recognises the potential of young persons and seeks to harness it for the greater good of the nation.
As we move forward, it is imperative that the youth of Ghana recognise the value of such initiatives and throw their full support behind them. The world is changing rapidly, and only those with the right skills will be able to navigate and thrive in this new landscape. Dr. Bawumia’s initiative is a golden opportunity for the youth to position themselves for success in the digital age.
The choice before us is clear. We can either embrace a future of opportunities, where our youth are trained and equipped to take on the challenges of the modern world, or we can settle for short-term distractions that offer little in terms of long-term benefits. The youth of Ghana should choose wisely and support initiatives that truly have their best interests at heart. Dr. Bawumia’s IT training programme is one such initiative, and it deserves our collective backing.
