Anthony Nukpenu, the Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged unemployed youth to rethink how they interpret government promises on job creation, insisting that employment requires individual effort beyond political commitments.
Appearing on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, January 7, Mr Nukpenu explained that the state’s role in addressing unemployment is primarily to lay the groundwork for opportunities, not to guarantee monthly salaries for every citizen.
He argued that waiting passively for government placement limits innovation and self-reliance, noting that real opportunities often emerge only when individuals actively position themselves to take advantage of enabling policies and economic conditions.
According to Mr Nukpenu, much of the public dissatisfaction surrounding employment stems from miscommunication by government representatives, which has allowed unrealistic expectations to persist. He urged political appointees to do more to clearly explain existing programmes and pathways available to job seekers.
“Our duty as a party is to engage the masses and explain government opportunities to them. The political promise on jobs was to create an enabling environment, and that environment is being created. The question is, how are you taking advantage of it?” he said.
He further cautioned against the belief that government promises automatically translate into paid positions, stressing that initiative remains a critical factor in securing employment.
“When you sit at home and say that because we promised you jobs, the job must come to you, it will not happen. You must go out and seek the job. That perception that everyone needs a job where the government pays them every month is a deceptive mindset,” Mr Nukpenu added.
