Youth For Action blasts Mahama gov’t over broken promises, mass dismissals

Youth for Action (YFA), a youth advocacy group, criticized the John Mahama-led government. They accused it of insensitivity and broken promises. They claim economic policies are hurting Ghanaian youth.

On May 12, 2025, YFA addressed the media at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra. Convenor Isaac Acheampong expressed solidarity with young Ghanaians who lost jobs under this administration. He alleged that these dismissals were politically motivated.

Acheampong stated that YFA supports labor unions and civil society organizations. He emphasized that such actions should never happen again in Ghana.

He highlighted unfulfilled promises from the Mahama administration. The government failed to establish a Young Entrepreneurs Microcredit Institution with GH₵750 million in funding. This initiative was meant to provide affordable loans to youth-owned businesses but has not materialized.

Acheampong accused the government of repackaging the previous “YouStart” program as “Adwumawura.” He questioned where the promised GH₵750 million is, using a popular Twi phrase: “Na sika no wɔ he?” meaning "Where is the money?"

YFA also condemned recent utility tariff increases. Acheampong called this decision a betrayal of NDC’s promise for affordable electricity. In April 2025, electricity tariffs rose by 14.75%, while water tariffs increased by 4.02%. This change took effect on May 3, even as public sector workers received only a 10% salary adjustment.

He warned that youths in informal sectors are suffering due to these increases. Barbers, seamstresses, and small-scale entrepreneurs are particularly affected. Acheampong criticized the government for impoverishing its people under IMF conditions.

The group disputed claims linking price hikes to IMF programs. They pointed out that tariffs were reduced under Akufo-Addo's administration during an IMF program in March 2024. Acheampong asked how Nana Addo could reduce tariffs while Mahama cannot.

YFA also criticized NDC’s failure to raise cocoa producer prices to GH₵6,000 per bag as promised while in opposition. This issue directly affects youth involved in various roles within the cocoa value chain.

Acheampong noted many unemployed youths have turned to cocoa-related work for survival. He stressed that the cocoa sector impacts not just older farmers but also young people's futures.

He urged civil society organizations, labor unions, student bodies, and the public to pressure the government on these issues. "Enough of excuses," he said, urging Mr. Mahama to take action.

Acheampong warned that Ghanaian youth will not remain silent amid misgovernance and betrayal.