Four major takeaways from NDC Youth Manifesto

The manifesto, unveiled on Monday, August 12, 2024, highlighted key initiatives including education, digital empowerment, and economic relief for young Ghanaians.

Here are the four major takeaways:

1.Free academic fees for first-year tertiary students

One of the pledges made by the NDC is the abolition of academic fees for first-year students entering all public universities in Ghana.

This promise, announced by a student leader at the launch, aims to eliminate a major financial barrier that has kept many talented students from pursuing higher education.

According to the party, the initiative will ensure that no first-year university student worries about paying academic fees, a move they believe could open the doors of higher education to many,

2.Training of one million youths in digital skills

NDC Flagbearer John Dramani Mahama reiterated the party’s commitment to harnessing digital solutions to create jobs for the youth.

As part of this commitment, Mahama announced the “One Million Coders” programme, which aims to train one million Ghanaian youths in coding and digital marketing.

Mahama emphasized the importance of equipping young people with digital skills to thrive in a 24-hour economy, noting that digital centres will be established across the country to support this effort.

3.Reduction of data costs and Free Wi-Fi in schools

John Mahama also pledged to reduce data costs and provide free Wi-Fi in all schools across Ghana if elected as President.

This promise builds on the NDC’s previous efforts to deploy fibre and satellite internet technology in public institutions.

Mahama highlighted the party’s capacity to deliver on this commitment, which would involve working with telecommunications companies to lower data costs and expand free Wi-Fi coverage to selected public places.

4.Abolition of the betting tax

Addressing a contentious issue among Ghanaian youth, Mahama promised to explore alternatives to the current betting tax, which has been a source of frustration for many.

He also reiterated his commitment to abolishing the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) and the tax on betting winnings, criticizing these taxes for failing to meet revenue targets and imposing unnecessary financial burdens on citizens.

AM/EK

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