A Message from the Flagbearer

 In the face of the current economic challenges, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) acknowledges the critical importance of job creation to alleviate the suffering of the Ghanaian people. A stable job market is the backbone of any thriving economy, and it is through meaningful employment that Ghanaians can attain financial independence, provide for their families, and contribute to the growth of the nation.

Chapter Two of our manifesto presents a bold, clear, and actionable plan to address Ghana’s unemployment crisis through the 24-Hour Economy Policy and other job-creating initiatives. These policies are designed to generate sustainable jobs, enhance productivity, and harness the full potential of the Ghanaian workforce. This chapter outlines our comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development, and market expansion, all anchored in the Jobs 4 You Agenda.

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The 24-Hour Economy Policy

A key initiative to address unemployment and unlock the economic potential of Ghana is the introduction of the 24-Hour Economy Policy. This strategy seeks to shift the traditional economic structure by making the economy work around the clock. By encouraging businesses and industries to operate in shifts, we aim to increase productivity, create more jobs, and stimulate economic activity.

Key aspects of the 24-Hour Economy Policy include:

1. Encouraging Night Shifts in Key Sectors:

   • We will implement policies to incentivize sectors such as manufacturing, transport, hospitality, and agriculture to operate 24/7, ensuring that Ghana’s productive capacity is maximized.
   • This will increase demand for labor in these sectors and improve wages, particularly for low-skilled workers.

2. Infrastructure Development for Round-the-Clock Operations:

   • We will invest in infrastructure that supports a 24-hour economy, including reliable power supply, efficient transportation, and security services.
   • We will introduce policies to ensure that the country’s road networks, ports, and industrial zones are capable of handling increased activity at all hours.

3. Promoting Service-Based Industries:

   • We will invest in the service sector, including hospitality, healthcare, and customer service, to operate continuously and provide 24-hour access to essential services for citizens.

By unlocking new opportunities for businesses to operate and expanding employment hours, the NDC government will foster a thriving job market that benefits individuals and the broader economy.

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Business Development and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a powerful engine for job creation, and the NDC is committed to making Ghana a hub for innovative startups and thriving businesses. Our policies will provide the necessary support, resources, and regulatory framework to nurture local businesses and expand their access to regional and global markets.

Key business development initiatives include:

1. Creating an Enabling Environment for Startups:

   • Establish a National Entrepreneurship Fund to provide low-interest loans, grants, and seed funding for new businesses, particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
   • Implement simplified business registration processes and remove bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate the growth of small businesses.

2. Skills Development and Training for Entrepreneurs:

   • Provide comprehensive training programs to help entrepreneurs improve their business management skills and technical knowledge, with a focus on innovation, marketing, and finance.
   • Partner with universities and technical institutions to develop entrepreneurship programs that foster the next generation of job creators.

3. Access to Credit and Financial Support:

   • Collaborate with banks and financial institutions to create a credit facility specifically for SMEs, ensuring they have access to affordable capital for expansion and innovation.
   • Introduce a Guarantee Fund to mitigate the risk for banks when lending to startups and SMEs.

4. Promotion of Local Content:

   • Implement policies to prioritize locally produced goods and services in public procurement and large-scale industrial projects, creating demand for local businesses.
   • Support the export of Ghanaian goods by increasing access to international markets and reducing export barriers.

5. Supporting the Informal Sector:

   • Recognizing that a large portion of Ghana’s workforce is in the informal sector, we will focus on integrating informal businesses into the formal economy through registration, training, and access to financial services.

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Sustainable Job Creation Strategies

The NDC understands that sustainable job creation is key to the country’s long-term economic prosperity. Our approach to job creation focuses on ensuring that new opportunities are not only abundant but also long-lasting and impactful. We will place a special emphasis on leveraging technology and innovation, which can create high-value jobs and enhance labor productivity.

Key sustainable job creation initiatives include:

1. Promoting Technology and Innovation:

   • Establish Innovation Hubs in all regions of the country to nurture tech startups, providing resources such as office space, funding, and mentorship to young entrepreneurs.
   • Introduce programs to support Technology Transfer, where local businesses can collaborate with international firms to access new technologies and improve productivity.

2. Fostering Green Jobs:

   • The NDC will invest in the green economy, including renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro), waste management, and sustainable agriculture, creating thousands of jobs in sectors that are environmentally friendly and future-proof.
   • Promote eco-tourism and sustainable construction practices, ensuring that Ghana’s development is in harmony with its natural resources.

3. Youth Employment Programs:

   • Launch large-scale youth employment initiatives such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, National Service for Startups, and Apprenticeship-to-Employment Program, which will provide young people with training and employment opportunities in key sectors like ICT, construction, and manufacturing.
   • Establish a National Youth Skills Development Fund to train and equip young people with skills that match market demands.

4. Public Works and Infrastructure Projects:

   • Undertake major infrastructure projects across the country, including road construction, public buildings, and rural electrification, to create direct employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians.
   • Support community-driven projects such as rural electrification and water supply, creating jobs in local communities and reducing rural-urban migration.

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Market Expansion and International Trade

Expanding access to markets is vital to growing businesses and creating jobs in Ghana. The NDC’s vision includes creating new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses both locally and internationally.

Key market expansion initiatives include:

1. Strengthening Export Capacity:

   • Establish export promotion agencies to help local businesses navigate international markets and boost Ghana’s exports of non-traditional goods, such as processed foods, textiles, and technology products.
   • Work towards reducing trade barriers, simplifying export procedures, and developing transport infrastructure (e.g., ports and railways) to support export growth.

2. Regional Integration and Pan-African Trade:

   • Advocate for stronger regional integration through organizations like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), allowing Ghanaian businesses to access larger markets across Africa.
   • Facilitate cross-border trade by improving transport and communication links with neighboring countries and promoting Ghana as a regional trade hub.

3. Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

   • Create an investment-friendly climate by ensuring a predictable regulatory environment, efficient bureaucracy, and favorable tax policies for foreign investors.
   • Implement tax incentives and regulatory reforms to attract multinational companies and encourage foreign capital inflows into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

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Conclusion

The NDC’s Jobs 4 You Agenda and the 24-Hour Economy Policy lay the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable labor market that offers opportunities for every Ghanaian. By promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and creating a business-friendly environment, we will generate meaningful employment opportunities, increase productivity, and create wealth for all Ghanaians.

Our focus on technology, market expansion, and green jobs will help future-proof the economy and ensure that our development is inclusive and resilient. The NDC is committed to building a prosperous future for Ghana, where jobs are created in every corner of the country, and all Ghanaians have the opportunity to realize their potential.

Together, we will create the Ghana we want, a country where jobs for all are not just a dream but a reality.