By Kafui Dey
In a media engagement on Tuesday, Alan Kyerematen, the independent presidential candidate and founder of the Movement for Change, unveiled his Great Transformation Plan (GTP), emphasising his commitment to empowering Ghana’s youth and addressing their economic needs.
Youth Employment and Economic Opportunities
Central to Kyerematen’s vision is a robust plan to create job opportunities. He pledged to generate 3 million jobs within 18 months if elected, focusing on boosting the private sector. “Youth jobs are my top priority,” Kyerematen emphasised, highlighting the importance of an enterprise-driven economy to provide sustainable employment for young people.
Support for Young Entrepreneurs
Kyerematen proposed significant support for young entrepreneurs through seed funding and concessional loans without collateral. “Our goal is to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said, aiming to equip young individuals with the resources needed to start and sustain their businesses.
Youth in Governance
Demonstrating his commitment to involving younger generations in leadership, Kyerematen declared, “My vice president will be a young person.” He also pledged that 60% of his appointments will be from individuals aged between 22 and 50, ensuring that youth have a prominent role in governance and decision-making.
Education and Skills Development
The GTP places a strong emphasis on education and skills development. Kyerematen supports continuing free Senior High School (SHS) education and proposed a compulsory, certificated one-year internship for graduates. “This will provide practical experience and open pathways to entrepreneurship,” he explained.
Empowering Youth through Policy
Reflecting on his past experience, Kyerematen noted, “When Mandela decided to build black businesses in the ’90s, I was one of the seven experts invited to help.” His commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering economic independence is evident in his proposed policies.
Alan Kyerematen’s Great Transformation Plan outlines a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment, promising job creation, support for entrepreneurship, and significant representation of young people in governance. His vision aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for Ghana by integrating the younger generation into key roles and ensuring their voices are central to shaping the nation’s future.
