The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy policy as a “scam,” accusing the administration of exploiting the hopes of young people without delivering jobs one year into its tenure.
Speaking on The Big Bulletin on Monday (12 January), Mustapha said there is “no better evidence” of the policy’s failure than the government’s own actions, particularly what he described as the lack of serious financial commitment in the 2026 budget.
“They used the 24-hour economy everywhere to win the election — unlimited jobs, the 1-3-3 formula — one job, three shifts, three people. But in the 2026 budget, there is virtually nothing to show commitment to implementing it,” he said, adding that the policy document itself estimated about $4 billion would be needed, compared to what he described as a token allocation.
Mustapha argued that the administration lacks both the will and a clear roadmap to implement the policy, insisting that the NPP had earlier warned voters that the proposal was unrealistic.
“I am sorry to say we have been vindicated. The youth believed in the policy because they want jobs. But today, it is clear they do not have any idea how it can be done,” he said.
He rejected suggestions that one year in office is too short a period to assess the policy, citing the implementation of the Free SHS programme in 2017 as an example of decisive governance.
“You can’t weaponise hope, deceive people for their votes, and then retreat into excuses,” he said.
Mustapha also linked youth unemployment to growing desperation, referencing the recent deadly military recruitment stampede at the El-Wak Stadium. He dismissed claims that the NPP was exploiting the tragedy for political gain, saying it illustrated the depth of joblessness among young people.
“That tragedy shows desperation. Jobs matter should not just be about winning elections. If we don’t address unemployment, it can spill out of control and threaten national stability,” he warned.
He maintained that even marginal improvements in employment figures would not alter his assessment of the policy, insisting there would be “no major shift” under the current administration.
Meanwhile, the interview came as a new Phase Three voter intention survey released by Sanity Africa showed former Central Regional MP Kennedy Agyapong opening a clear lead in the NPP’s upcoming presidential primaries.
According to the poll, conducted between October 2025 and January 2026, Mr Agyapong commands 52 percent support among delegates, ahead of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who polled 40 percent. The survey, based on a weighted sample of 15,000 delegates across all 276 constituencies, reflects voting intentions under the party’s expanded delegate system of about 200,000 voters.
Other contenders trail significantly, with Dr Bryan Acheampong polling seven percent, while Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and Joe Ghartey recorded 0.7 percent and 0.3 percent respectively.
Sanity Africa said the findings carry a 99 percent confidence level with a margin of error of plus or minus five percentage points. Compared with the previous poll in October, Mr Agyapong’s support dipped slightly, Dr Bawumia made modest gains, while Dr Acheampong recorded the strongest rise.
The NPP is expected to hold its presidential primaries on 31 January 2026, just 19 days away, as political activity within the party intensifies.
Source: metrotvonline.com
