Revocation of Dec. 7 appointments: Shut up! -NABCO trainees to Bawumia

In a scathing statement released on February 20, 2025, the Coalition of Former NABCO Trainees has strongly criticized Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana, for his recent remarks on the revocation of recruitment and appointment letters by the current administration. According to the coalition, Bawumia’s comments have sparked outrage, considering his record on youth employment and the failed promises made during his tenure as vice president.

The Coalition, which consists of individuals who once participated in the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) program, emphasized that Bawumia’s attempts to speak on unemployment and youth welfare were not only hypocritical but lacked any real substance. The group pointed to the nine months they spent without jobs or allowances, despite being promised stable employment as part of the NABCO initiative, a flagship program designed to tackle unemployment among youth in Ghana.

“We are appalled by Dr. Bawumia’s audacity to lecture on unemployment and youth welfare, given his dismal record on these issues,” stated Nana Tekyi Eric, Public Relations Officer of the Coalition of Former NABCO Trainees. “For nine months, we were left without jobs or paid allowances. It was a betrayal of trust.”

The Coalition highlighted the lack of progress in the so-called Career Pathway Transition process that Bawumia himself launched in 2020. What was once heralded as a solution for long-term career pathways for NABCO trainees turned out to be a disillusioning, empty promise, leaving many trainees stranded with no meaningful career opportunities.

“The Career Pathway Transition process was an illusion. We were promised so much, but we ended up with nothing,” said Eric. “Even the GRA trainees, who were promised mechanization, were left disappointed, and they’re still waiting for their sacrifices to be recognized.”

The irony of Bawumia, who failed to fulfill basic commitments to the youth during his time in office, now speaking out on the revocation of recruitment letters has not gone unnoticed. The Coalition argues that his record disqualifies him from offering commentary on the matter, particularly when many of those affected by the revocations are the very same youth who have already been let down by the government’s promises.

The statement further calls for Bawumia to “take a backseat” and allow individuals or organizations with a proven track record on employment and youth issues to lead the conversation, instead of making “hypocritical statements” that undermine the very real struggles of unemployed Ghanaians.

“We demand that impartial stakeholders are allowed to express their views on the revocation of appointments, without interference from individuals who have failed to address the issues at hand,” Eric said.

For the Coalition, the message is clear: Ghanaians deserve leadership that takes responsibility for its failures and works diligently to resolve them—not a politician who is quick to point fingers while ignoring his own track record. They argue that the real concern is not just about appointment letters but the broader issue of youth unemployment, which continues to plague the country.

In conclusion, the Coalition of Former NABCO Trainees has called on Dr. Bawumia to reflect on his government’s unfulfilled promises and to step aside from commenting on issues of youth employment and welfare. The group remains steadfast in its demand for meaningful change and accountability for the future of Ghanaian youth.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

Nana Tekyi Eric
Public Relations Officer
Coalition of Former NABCO Trainees