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If you met Mahama, what would you ask him?

People often criticise the substance of the questions, and make mockery of journalists, saying they lack the vigor to ask pressing questions. Some even suggest the questions were written for us.

 

I polled a number of former or current professionals in Ghana, three of them with media experience, and the consensus was that journalists don’t ask the right questions.

So I asked them: given the opportunity to meet the president, what will be the one most important question you will ask him?

All four people I asked focused on job creation.

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Benezer Sowah, a former broadcaster with Obonu FM and now unemployed said he would ask the president why there is a ban on employment.

“I have been out of job for two to three years now,” Sowah said.

“I have been trying to enter any of the force work [security service] but I was told there are people on the waiting list and that I have to wait.”

Media consultant and HR administrator at GHone TV, Efo Komla Mawugbe said he would ask the president why he has  failed to create jobs for the youth as promised.

He argues his question is relevant because it was embedded in the president’s manifesto.

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“The youth are clamouring over unavailability of jobs,” he said.

Anita Obessebea, journalist-turned-businesswoman went personal, asking what the president would do to get her a job.

“I am asking this question because I want to work in the formal sector and so I need to be employed so that I can take care of my three kids in school.”

Micheal Ato Bassah worries about graduate unemployment. He is a bursar at Divine Lillies Montessori School in Accra.

“I have noticed that every year a lot of graduates come out [of] school without employment as a result of the choked [sectors] and unavailability of jobs,” he said.

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It is quite murky when job creation becomes the most important question on people’s mind.

Politicians trumpet jobs created under their watch but it appears it does not impact on the people.

As I sat quietly listening to their questions, I left their presence feeling that it is time we do something about unemployment as a country.

The lip service must cease.

Share with us what you will ask President Mahama if given the opportunity.

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