Accra: Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has criticised the government's handling of youth unemployment, describing the current economic situation as an 'Indomie 1:3:3 economy' where many graduates are trapped in endless cycles of schooling because jobs are unavailable. Contributing to discussions on the floor of Parliament, on June 11, 2026, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker painted a grim picture of the frustrations facing young people across the country, warning that unemployment is gradually becoming a national security threat.
According to Ghana Web, Sammi Awuku noted that many graduates are no longer pursuing additional degrees out of passion for education but rather because they see no clear employment opportunities after school. He highlighted a growing trend where young people, after acquiring a degree, continue to seek further education due to the lack of jobs, leaving them with a collection of certificates and no employment prospects.
Awuku also challenged the effectiveness of the government's flagship 24-hour economy policy, suggesting that its implementation has not met the promises made during opposition. He criticized the government's inability to practice the 24-hour economy policy, even at its own secretariat.
The MP described the accumulation of degrees without subsequent employment as a form of 'unemployment tax' on the youth, as they continue to gather qualifications without job opportunities. He questioned the progress of government employment initiatives, including the one million coders programme, pointing out that the government has not been able to onboard even a fraction of the promised participants.
Awuku further expressed concerns about the Ministry of Youth Development's capacity, suggesting it is underfunded and in need of support itself. He warned that the growing unemployment among the youth could lead to social and political instability if not addressed urgently. Awuku also criticised the slow pace of recruitment under the government's 'Big Push' initiative, stating that employment targets had not been met.