SONA 2025: Mahama unveils bold plans to tackle youth unemployment, improve education

President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a comprehensive plan to address youth unemployment, education, and national development in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

He identified youth unemployment as Ghana’s most pressing challenge, warning that it poses a serious national security threat.

"The high rate of youth unemployment has led to despair and frustration, creating a major security risk. This demands urgent action," he stated.

To combat the crisis, Mahama announced the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development, which will spearhead job creation initiatives and provide skills training for young Ghanaians.

He also introduced a national apprenticeship programme targeting at least 10,000 young people in the informal sector, equipping them with employable skills and startup support.

Reforms

Mahama revealed plans to reform the operation of commercial motorbikes commonly known as Okada, providing riders with road safety training, financial literacy, and digital skills. He also announced a hire-purchase scheme to facilitate the acquisition of motorbikes, including the introduction of electric motorcycles to reduce fuel costs and increase profitability.

On education, Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining and improving the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, refuting claims that he intends to cancel the programme.

"Once again, for emphasis and for the record, I, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I am determined to make it better by improving its implementation," he declared.

He announced plans to phase out the Double Track system by expanding school infrastructure and completing stalled projects.

The government will enhance the quality of school feeding programmes and decentralise food procurement to ensure efficiency.

A new curriculum for senior high technical schools and STEM institutions will also be fully implemented this year, while the government will establish STEM and vocational schools in underserved communities.

Mahama further disclosed plans to provide scholarships for students in deprived areas and increase resources for the Islamic Education Unit.

To incentivise teachers, he announced a 30% allowance for educators who agree to work in rural areas, ensuring quality education beyond urban centres.

Mahama also invited the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to participate in the upcoming National Economic Dialogue scheduled for March 3–4, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Themed "Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together," the dialogue seeks to foster national consensus on economic recovery strategies.

"It is my hope that our colleagues on the other side will participate, unlike the boycott of the Senchi Forum," he said.

The dialogue will convene stakeholders from the private sector, academia, public policy institutions, and civil society organisations to develop actionable solutions for Ghana’s economic recovery.