“Adwuma no wɔ he?” Akuapem North MP asks Mahama where the jobs are, ahead of 2027 Budget

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has written an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson asking for answers on youth unemployment. He sent it days before the 2027 Budget is presented to Parliament.

In the letter, Mr Awuku asks the President a question in Twi: “Adwuma no wɔ he? Where are the jobs?”

The letter comes ahead of Thursday, 12 November 2026, when Dr Ato Forson is due to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on behalf of the President.

“Behind these figures are young people”

Citing the Ghana Statistical Service, the MP says youth unemployment stands at about 32.4% among young people aged 15 to 24.

He adds that close to two million Ghanaians aged 15 to 35 are neither employed nor in education or training.

“Behind these figures are young people desperate for opportunities, decent jobs and the ability to become financially independent,” he wrote.

Three flagship promises under scrutiny

Mr Awuku asks the government to give numbers on three of its flagship youth programmes:

• The 24-Hour Economy:

  He recalls the President’s campaign promise of the “1-3-3” job formula (one job, three shifts, three people), and asks: “How many jobs has the 24-Hour Economy created?”

• The One Million Coders Programme:

  He asks how many participants have completed the programme, and how many have found jobs or started earning an income as a result.

• No Fees Stress:

  He asks how many first-year tertiary students have benefited since it began, and how many received support in time to take up their admissions without paying academic fees upfront.

Utility bills add to the pressure

The MP says rising residential electricity and water tariffs are adding to the strain on households “already struggling to support unemployed young people”. He also points to the rising cost of hostels, food, transport and learning materials for students.

“Lower inflation figures mean little to a young graduate who cannot find a job or a student struggling to afford an education,” he wrote.

“Not asking for favours”

Mr Awuku says that nearly two years into the administration, young people deserve “measurable results, clear timelines and a comprehensive plan for youth employment and development.”

“The young people of this country voted for change. They are not asking for favours. They are asking for opportunities and your government must deliver,” the letter states. It ends with a plea: “Please do something.”

The Presidency and the Ministry of Finance had not responded to the letter at the time of publishing.

The 2027 Budget is expected to set out the government’s economic priorities for the coming year, and jobs are likely to be a key area of attention.