Gallant Cadres Hail Mahama’s Leadership With 99.8% Performance Rating

The Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have applauded President John Dramani Mahama for his outstanding performance during his first 120 days in office, commending him for fulfilling campaign promises and delivering impactful policies.

In a press release, the Cadres stated: President John Dramani Mahama’s 120-day performance is unmatched and highly commendable, characterized by honesty and the prudent use of taxpayers’ money. His human-centered policies are clearly aimed at reducing stark poverty across the country. Several social contract promises have been honored using limited state resources—demonstrating efficiency and prudence.

The launch of key social intervention initiatives-the Adwumawura Programme, Work Abroad Policy, and the Coders Programme-marks a significant milestone in addressing youth unemployment. These initiatives underscore a commitment to empowering Ghanaian youth through entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development.

The Cadres commended President Mahama for his swift and decisive actions in tackling youth unemployment, adding that his leadership has reinvigorated the confidence of Ghanaian youth. They encouraged the President to continue implementing innovative policies under his Resetting Agenda.

These initiatives signal a new era for the Ghanaian youth, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will have on our nation’s future. Congratulations to the Mahama government on this crucial step towards a brighter future for our youth.

The Cadres also praised the President for delivering on key social contract promises, notably:

• Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities
• Commencement of free sanitary pad distribution to female students in primary and secondary schools

The Free Sanitary Pad Initiative aims to eliminate menstruation as a barrier to girls’ education by providing essential menstrual hygiene products. This initiative is expected to positively impact girls’ academic retention and overall well-being, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society.

The statement urged timely implementation of this program to ensure consistent access to sanitary pads for schoolgirls nationwide.

Adwumawura Programme: Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship

The Adwumawura Programme is a bold flagship initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and addressing unemployment. Its objectives include:

• Creating at least 20,000 decent jobs annually
• Providing business advisory services and mentorship
• Incubating and accelerating 10,000 youth-owned/led businesses each year

The program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including:

• Youth-owned businesses nationwide
• Individuals with little or no formal education
• Graduates of universities, polytechnics, SHSs, technical and vocational schools
• Youth in illegal mining (galamsey) areas
• Youth in conflict-affected regions
• Women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

At least 2,000 youth-owned businesses will receive grants after independent assessments of scalability, viability, and job creation potential. The initiative will ensure inclusivity, with 60% of beneficiaries being women, PWDs, girls in male-dominated trades, and vulnerable populations.

Applications can be submitted through the NEIP website (www.neip.gov.gh) or collected from MMDAs. An annual Adwumawura Job/Trade Fair will provide a platform for beneficiaries to exhibit innovations, access markets, and attract investment. All beneficiaries will be under continuous Monitoring and Evaluation to ensure sustainability and growth.

In line with the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, the government has launched:

• National Apprenticeship Programme
• One Million Coders Programme

These priority job creation programs aim to promote gender equality and provide every child with access to quality education, regardless of gender or background.

During the launch event in Accra, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to supporting girls’ education and dignity. The government has allocated GH¢292.4 million in the 2024/2025 budget for the sanitary pad initiative. The Ministry of Education has instructed Regional Ministers and District Chief Executives to facilitate local-level launch events and mobilize donor support. Companies have been invited to participate, and regional/district directors are responsible for monitoring distribution.

Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) Restructuring

In a significant development, the GSFP has announced the immediate termination of contracts for all current caterers under the program, effective for the third term of the 2024/2025 academic year.

According to an official statement dated May 8, 2025:
“Please be informed that contracts of all caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme have been terminated with immediate effect. Accordingly, no existing caterer should cook for the third term of the 2024/2025 academic year.”

The Secretariat assured affected caterers that outstanding payments for the second term will be settled. This termination forms part of a broader restructuring exercise, with new recruitment guidelines to be announced soon.

The GSFP remains a flagship initiative aimed at boosting school enrolment and retention by providing free daily meals to pupils in public basic schools. This restructuring marks a pivotal change in the program’s operations, with implications for caterers and beneficiaries alike.