The Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Rev. Dr. Mewilkson Kwaku Attakro has appealed to the Government to put in place proper policies that will help address the increasing unemployment rate in the country.
According to him, the country’s unemployment rate has risen from 12.9% to 13.2% between 2012 and 2018, a situation he described as unacceptable.
He made this appeal at the 9th West Volta Presbytery Synod held in Agona Swedru in the Central Region on the theme; ‘’Breaking Mew Grounds Revisited-Now It’s Our Time.’’
He also hinted that over 40% of graduates from the country’s various universities are unable to secure job, contributing to the already existing high unemployment rate .
This situation, he pointed out, is a contributory factor to the increasing crime rate in the country and its associated social vices.
He also lamented over the increasing cases of road accidents in the country, despite persistent efforts by the various stake holders such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority {DVLA}, the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate {MTTD} of the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities to address the menace.
He however attributed the menace to reckless driving, over- aged vehicles, broken down vehicles left on the road by some drivers with no warning signs, as well as total indiscipline and disregard for road safety regulations by majority of drivers.
According to him, in 2008 alone, road accidents cost the country $ 288 million, not considering indirect costs to dependants of the victims.
He has called for stricter enforcement and punitive measures to be put in place to serve as check and detterant to others drivers.
He later commended the government for the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy, saying it will go a long way to ensure that every Ghanaian child would have access, to at least secondary education.
By: Robert Ayanful