Peter Ayinbisa, the Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region, has expressed scepticism regarding the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s recently launched youth manifesto, saying it fails to introduce new ideas or strategies specifically targeting the youth.
“There’s nothing new in the new manifesto of the NDC, especially the one directed at the youth. I cannot find anything new.”
He acknowledged the importance of focusing on youth issues but criticised the NDC for its perceived lack of originality and comprehensive planning.
However, he argues that policies should be designed to support students from the beginning of their education to increase their chances of eventually pursuing higher education. “If there is any focus at all, they should tell us what they’ll do differently to ensure that the basic level and then pre-tertiary is enhanced and made free so that the students will qualify to be able to enrol in tertiary,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that the manifesto lacks focus on youth who are interested in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) rather than university education. He stressed that these individuals also represent an important segment of the youth population and should be included in any forward-looking policy.
Mr Ayinbisa also questioned the clarity of the implementation plans provided by the NDC. He called for detailed information on how many students would benefit from the proposed initiatives, the financial implications, and the strategies for funding such programs.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about the feasibility of student loans, noting that students would need to decide whether to take on such debt and questioned potential challenges in repaying it if they are unable to secure employment post-graduation.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Ghana
