'Vote for me to fix the broken economy to create jobs for our youth' — Alan Kyerematen

Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the presidential candidate for the Afrafranto Alliance, has reiterated his commitment to tackling corruption and creating jobs for the youth if elected in the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to members of the Asewa community in the Bosomefreho Constituency on Saturday, October 5, 2024, Mr. Kyerematen emphasized that corruption has been the bane of Ghana’s development, draining resources that could have been used to improve the economy and public services. “Together, we will fix the economy, create jobs, and end corruption. Ghana’s future is bright, and with your support, we will achieve it,” he assured the people.

Mr. Kyerematen, who is on a 21-day tour of the Ashanti Region, visited several communities in the Bosomefreho Constituency, including Asewa, Anyinase, Danso, Nsuaem Number 1, Nsuaem Number 2, Amomorso, and Abosamaom. He made it clear that his administration would root out corruption through decisive action, ensuring that all public officials are held accountable. "Corruption is why our schools, roads, and hospitals are in poor condition. It is draining the nation’s wealth, and when I come, I will stop it outright,” he promised.

To demonstrate his commitment to combating corruption and saving the country the needed resources for productive investments, Mr. Kyerematen has outlined his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which includes consolidating all anti-corruption legislation into one framework. This would be overseen by an independent anti-corruption Czar with prosecutorial powers, empowered to prosecute even the president. His plan also introduces lifestyle audits for public officeholders to ensure transparency and accountability at the highest levels of government.

In addition to fighting corruption, Mr. Kyerematen’s focus is on job creation, particularly for the youth. He recently introduced a 10-Point Youth Empowerment Plan aimed at addressing the high unemployment rates in Ghana. The plan includes supporting youth-owned businesses, installing 100,000 Health Booths to be managed by the youth, assisting youth in mining communities to own small-scale mining companies, and promoting youth involvement in agriculture and industrialization. "Our youth need jobs to do in order to become responsible adults and citizens," Mr. Kyerematen emphasized.

He further highlighted the urgent need to restore hope among the youth. “The level of hopelessness is getting out of hand, and something has to be done immediately to restore confidence and hope in the youth,” he said. Mr. Kyerematen assured the audience that fixing the broken economy would be his top priority once in office. “When you vote for me, my priority will be to fix the economy and create jobs for our youth,” he declared, as the crowd cheered in agreement.

Mr. Kyerematen's track record in job creation, especially from his time at Empretec, Enterprise Africa, and as Minister of Trade and Industry, has inspired confidence among many Ghanaians. Under his leadership, several initiatives such as the One District, One Factory (1D1F) and Ghana Automotive Industry Development policies were launched, creating thousands of jobs across the country. His 10-Point Plan is seen as a solution to drastically reduce unemployment and give the youth hope once again.

He also emphasized that under his leadership, education will be aligned with job opportunities. "Our education system must train young people for the jobs we are creating, not just to pass exams," Mr. Kyerematen explained, stressing the need for skills development and entrepreneurship in the curriculum.

Mr. Kyerematen concluded by urging the people of Bosomefreho to vote for change in the upcoming elections, assuring them that his leadership would bring lasting economic transformation and job creation.