Speaking during a community engagement in Ejisu and another constituency, Agyapong disclosed that he only became aware of the situation after affected graduates personally approached him with disturbing accounts of their working conditions.
According to him, the graduates revealed that they were placed in public sector roles earning as little as GHS700 per month, yet many went as long as seven months without receiving any salary at all.
The revelation reportedly shocked members of the audience, with many expressing anger and disbelief at what they described as blatant injustice against young professionals.
Agyapong condemned the practice, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles the NPP claims to uphold.
He argued that requiring graduates to work without pay amounts to exploitation and reflects a broader failure to prioritize youth welfare.
“These are university graduates who have completed their education and want to contribute to the country, yet they are treated this way,” he lamented, stressing that such experiences discourage hard work and erode trust in political leadership.
While Ghana is currently governed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under President John Dramani Mahama, Agyapong said the experiences shared with him occurred under the previous NPP government, insisting that the matter must be openly discussed to prevent a recurrence.
He noted that youth unemployment and underemployment remain critical national challenges that transcend party politics.
Looking ahead, Agyapong promised that if given the opportunity to lead in the future, he would prioritize secure, permanent employment for graduates rather than short-term or poorly structured contracts.
Looking ahead, Agyapong promised that if given the opportunity to lead in the future, he would prioritize secure, permanent employment for graduates rather than short-term or poorly structured contracts.
According to him, stable jobs with guaranteed and timely salaries are essential for young people to plan their lives, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The comments have drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters argue that Agyapong is courageously speaking uncomfortable truths many politicians prefer to avoid.
The comments have drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters argue that Agyapong is courageously speaking uncomfortable truths many politicians prefer to avoid.
Critics, however, accuse him of using the issue to score political points and reopen wounds at a time when the country is under new leadership.
Regardless of political affiliation, Agyapong’s remarks have reopened a critical national conversation about accountability, youth employment, and how successive governments—past and present—must ensure that graduates are treated with dignity and fairness in Ghana’s labour system.
Regardless of political affiliation, Agyapong’s remarks have reopened a critical national conversation about accountability, youth employment, and how successive governments—past and present—must ensure that graduates are treated with dignity and fairness in Ghana’s labour system.