The flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Mr. Kofi Akpaloo has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle poverty and unemployment.
In an exclusive interview with Adjoa Asor on “Update News,” Mr. Akpaloo shared his plans to revolutionize Ghana’s education system. Dubbed “A Better Tomorrow Manifesto,” the plan promises a transformative agenda aimed at empowering Ghanaians, particularly the youth, through innovative policies and bold investments.
Mr. Akpaloo stressed the urgent need to align education with the demands of a globalized economy, highlighting that productivity, driven by education, is the backbone of economic growth. He proposed the introduction of computer science and coding as core subjects in primary and secondary schools nationwide. “Digital technologies are shaping the jobs of the future, and every young Ghanaian deserves to be equipped with these skills,” he emphasized.
The manifesto also outlines a four-year plan to invest GHC2 billion to implement coding education, upskill 100,000 existing teachers, train 50,000 new STEM educators, and encourage more women to pursue careers in science and technology. Mr. Akpaloo described this as a necessary step to bridge the skills gap and create a highly competitive workforce ready to seize opportunities in a knowledge-driven global economy.
Beyond education, the LPG’s vision includes a radical overhaul of Ghana’s unemployment landscape. The party plans to introduce a Ghana Child Benefit and an Unemployment Benefit Scheme to support low-income families and the unemployed. These initiatives aim to provide financial relief and stimulate economic growth by increasing household purchasing power. Additionally, Mr. Akpaloo pledged to create one million new entrepreneurs by 2028 through guaranteed loans for graduates and the establishment of a $10 billion Jobs Fund.
The manifesto also prioritizes the modernization of technical and vocational education, with a focus on developing skilled manpower for local and international industries. “We are committed to transforming technical institutions into centers of excellence and ensuring Ghanaian youth are prepared for emerging opportunities in engineering and technology,” Mr. Akpaloo stated.
He further pledged to merge Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) into a six-year program to reduce dropout rates, offer financial support to private schools, and eliminate schools under trees. Additionally, a national school bus system would be introduced to improve access to quality education.
As part of the plan to make higher education accessible, the LPG promises free university education for all qualified Ghanaians. Mr. Akpaloo noted that this initiative, coupled with granting full autonomy to higher learning institutions, would enhance quality, expand access, and produce top-level manpower for Ghana’s development.
Mr. Akpaloo concluded the interview with a call to action, urging Ghanaians to embrace the LPG’s vision for “A Better Tomorrow” by electing a government ready to make bold investments in education and economic empowerment.
BY: STELLA BOTCHWEY
